Both Hugo and Isabelle struggled with addiction and were experiencing homelessness when they met 30 years ago on the streets of San Diego, California.

Isabelle had raised 2 sons and worked in dietary food prep when her addiction destroyed the stability in her life. She was laid off from her job and her addiction and mental health spiraled eventually landing her on the streets of California. One day, her son looked at her and simply said, “Are you done, Mom?” That day was her wake-up call.

For Hugo, it came when he was arrested for a misdemeanor but was held on a floor for the criminally insane. He realized that might be his future. He was rapidly losing weight, and he looked in the mirror and thought, “I’m dying. Death is knocking at my door.” He knew he had to change.

When Isabelle’s son moved to Oklahoma, he offered to bring them with him. The couple felt safe in Oklahoma City. They began to have hope. They spent a night under a bridge and met a friend who led them to Upward Transitions’ partner, Homeless Alliance. Each day for 3 months, Hugo took buses all around Oklahoma City searching for assistance and a job.

“I was going out to find every resource possible to get us out of this situation,” said Hugo.

Hugo started taking courses at Goodwill and was referred to Upward Transitions for assistance in getting State IDs for the couple. Soon, he had a job, and Isabelle had the medical care she needed for health problems that had been causing her incredible pain.

“I know homelessness and it’s darkest places,” said Isabelle. “I’m never going back to that.”