Alexis’s Story

It is very difficult for anyone living on the streets; this is especially true for women. Unfortunately, past traumas, substance abuse, length of time spent homeless, engaging in economic survival strategies, and mental illness increase a homeless women’s risk of sexual abuse. “I came in encounter with a lot of men and almost 80% or 90% of those men had bad intentions.” Alexis was jumped, shot at, and pistol- whipped while living on the streets. These events led her to seek help to find a safe place for her and ASAP. Alexis was connected to has been a struggle. That is how I found myself, literally in a tent at Alexis was at a crossroads, deciding to give up her emotional support pet to receive assistance or stay together and face being unsheltered and unsafe. Alexis was trying to make ends meet. Living a “minivan life” sounded like a doable plan, but the reality was it was difficult. Alexis and ASAP, her 3-year-old German Shepherd, were living out of her van and trying to find a safe place to stay that would not only accept her, but her lifeline ASAP. Alexis had some bad habits that she was willing to give up, but she was not willing to give up having her fur family with her. Selfless Acts: Alexis’s Story, the only shelter in the County of San Diego that is women only and allows pets, Rachel’s Women’s Center. Located in downtown San Diego, Rachel’s Women’s Center has been helping unsheltered women for 38 years. Alexis and ASAP were also offered a safe sleeping space at Rachel’s Night Shelter. This combination got both Alexis and ASAP off the street, where they could sleep safely at night and not have to
be on guard.

Alexis finally found a safe place where she and ASAP could change their focus from surviving to thriving. Anyone who has been a pet owner can relate to how significant unconditional love can be. Some of the recorded benefits of pet ownership include higher survival rates, fewer heart attacks, less loneliness, better blood pressure, better psychological well-being, lower rates of depression and stress levels, fewer doctor visits, increased self-esteem, better sleep, and more physical activity.

“When I couldn’t get out of the car, and I couldn’t make it for the day, he got my shoes, he got my pants, he got everything I needed to dress myself to get out to take him wherever he needed to go. He’s the one that has been pushing me. To get up every morning, to have a purpose.”

At Catholic Charities, we recognize unsheltered that some of our unsheltered clients have pets. With our program, both the client and their fur family can benefit from our shelters. Animals living on the streets are also at risk and need help and support. We are able to provide vet visits, registration, food, leashes, and toys for the pets.

Through our team’s trauma-informed case management, Alexis shared that her dream job would be photography or videography. She was able to secure an apprenticeship with a local company, and ASAP is able to attend work with her as an emotional support pet.

“I just needed a little guidance and they’ve been nice, my backbone, my whole support. The women here at Rachel’s, it is one of the best. It’s actually the only shelter that’s helped me fully through for career, therapy, just anytime I need to talk to anybody.”

Through our experience, especially over the past 2 years, we have seen an increase in unsheltered men and women who request support for their pets and refuse to part with them. Seeing this relationship and the importance of the pet to the individual, we welcome pets of all kinds. Giving support to both the owner and pet help in the client’s road to self-sustainability and housing.

“To have programs like this that help you and positive support, it’s a blessing, and it inspires me to do better.”