We’ve made it to the end of 2020.

It's tempting to say “finally,” but nothing feels settled. We are still balanced on a knife’s edge—dealing with a rising pandemic, widespread hunger, unemployment and isolation.

But we persist. We have hope. And at our best, we take care of each other.

Luis Castillo never had a lot, but he was proud to help...

For years, Luis traveled the country for work so he could send money back home to Texas for his little sister’s education. His voice breaks when he talks about the day Magdalena graduated radiology school. “I’m so proud of her,” he says.

Last year, a serious accident left Luis with severe head and spinal injuries. The day he left the hospital was one of the hardest days of his life.

On his own, without work to fill his days—his entire life had changed. “Me siento muy solo,” he said. (“I feel so lonely.”)

Luis found a place to stay at a local church, where he stays with 14 other men. They all get along, but Luis has struggled to make close relationships like he used to.

Luis has been coming to our clinic for over a year now. His complex health needs require regular care—prescription medications, therapy and support for things like groceries.

Luckily, he has a Health Care for the Homeless team by his side. He laughs and jokes with his community health workers Lilian and Greg, who help with transportation and greet him at the front door every visit. He keeps up with his doctor and therapist through in-person and over-the-phone appointments.

“I know it’s a good day when I can see my friends at Health Care for the Homeless,” he says, breaking into a wide grin.

While his injuries limit his mobility, Luis has the determination of a man who traveled thousands of miles to give his sister, Magdalena, a better life. He talks with her every day and he looks forward to when he’s healthy enough—and it’s safe enough—to travel and see her again.

Luis and thousands of others are counting on Health Care for the Homeless to be there in times of personal (and national) crisis. At the end of an exhausting year, I hope I can count on you to stand with us as we deliver care and work to change the policies that create and sustain homelessness.

Together, you and I can send a clear message to our neighbors without homes: “No estás solo” (“You are not alone”).

At our best, we look out for each other. Stand beside our neighbors without homes with a donation today.

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