Supporting Those Who Need It Most

When Jennifer* first reached out to us, she was in an unimaginable situation. Jennifer was nine months pregnant, homeless and currently out of care. When we received her call, our team leapt into action.

At The Damien Center, we pride ourselves on being a one-stop-shop approach to HIV care and prevention. Jennifer’s situation put our claim of being a one-stop-shop to the test. Though she contacted us in the middle of the night, within an hour, our Linkage to Care team was on the phone with Jennifer and working diligently to get her off the streets. We had people at all levels working to get her into care and into a better environment. From our administration team, to the Linkage to Care team, to the housing team – everything was running liked a well-oiled cog.

Our housing department was able to arrange emergency accommodations for Jennifer. Since she was nine months pregnant, it was imperative that we find a situation where she could provide shelter and safety for her newborn.

The wonderful people on our Linkage to Care team drove to the area was Jennifer was staying to not only offer her some stability, but help get Jennifer back into care and help her as she enters the next phase of her life.

Though it had a somber start, Jennifer’s story has a beautiful finish. Jennifer gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy. A member of our Linkage to Care team worked to ensure she had some clothing and other essential items for a newborn.

Stories like Jennifer’s are the reason our staff is so dedicate to the cause. To be able to help put someone back into care and ensure a bright, happy and healthy future for the next generation makes the hard work worthwhile. We rely on community support to make stories like Jennifer's possible. Please consider making a gift to The Damien Center today.

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*Client’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.