When Tony joined Maitri almost 2 years ago, he wanted nothing more than to take back control of his life. Physically battling an HIV diagnosis, lupus, and a substance use disorder, Tony’s body was so weak that he required a wheelchair to get around. With the help of volunteers who assisted him with his doctors’ appointments, Tony was making significant progress in treating his physical ailments. But even still, Tony worried about what would come next. He feared that without the consistency of Maitri’s sober and supportive environment, he might fall back into his old habits.
Just like every resident who enters our programs, Tony connected with a Maitri therapist for regular mental health sessions upon admission. This was Tony’s first time being connected to a therapist. With a long history of homelessness and related trauma, Tony required an outlet to process his past and to understand how those memories connected to his substance abuse. In doing so, Tony was able to equip himself with new coping mechanisms, and in return, his confidence began to grow. His new approach to life empowered him to want to achieve some of the larger goals he never thought possible. “I want a new place,” he said to his Maitri Social Worker, “one with a view!” And so, they work together to find just that.
Today, Tony remains sober, medically stable, and can get around with a cane instead of a wheelchair. After working with his Maitri Social Work Case Manager, Tony secured a new ADA-compliant apartment in an area without the triggers of his past. With a view of San Francisco! Tony is thriving in a way he never thought possible. He continues to stay in touch and participate in our BRANCH Aftercare Program, and he maintains a regular schedule meeting with his therapist and doctors. Maitri gave Tony the resources he needed to achieve his dream: a stable future.