“I came here in 2020 after my husband died” Cheryl started, her voice carried all the sadness of losing a life partner, as well as the strength required to stay standing after.
“I spent two and a half years taking care of him through his chemo and radiation treatments. I was his caregiver, his wife, his everything.
We were together for 30 years, and it was a hard road.”
Cheryl’s husband had been her provider and protector. He had worked as a contractor for the Navy, bringing their family stability which
allowed Cheryl to dedicate her time to their home and children.
“When he was gone,” she shared, with a deep sigh, “it was like… my God, what am I going to do?”
The transition to life on her own was a shock.
“I hadn’t worked in 30 years”
she said, almost in disbelief.
“I didn’t have to worry before. He took care of all of that, so when he was gone, I was scared.”
Without income, Cheryl found herself at a crossroads.
“I ended up living in an RV in El Cajon for about two years”
she explained.
“At first, I told myself it was only temporary, that maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.”
But life in the RV quickly became overwhelming.
“It wasn’t very pleasant. I didn’t feel comfortable, I didn’t feel safe, and it was a lot of work to keep the RV going”
she said. The RV lacked proper insulation, and summer days turned it into an oven.
“The heat was just terrible”
she recalled, shaking her head.
“It felt like I was trapped, you know? And I wasn’t happy there”
For Cheryl, her living situation was a reminder of the challenges many seniors now face.
“There are so many older people out there on the streets, homeless, unable to afford a place to live, and they end up staying with people they don’t know, or worse—people who don’t care for them”
she shared, her voice tinged with empathy.
“That’s not right. We all deserve to live our lives to the end in peace and happiness, you know, and have a home”
Cheryl’s life turned around when she discovered Cathedral Plaza, a 223-unit affordable housing complex designed specifically for seniors and people with disabilities.Part of Catholic Charities mission, Cathedral Plaza is one of six properties in San Diego County where older adults can find stable, affordable housing, all while connecting to resources that enhance their lives.
“I think it’s very important for us seniors to have a good rent situation where we can afford to live”
Cheryl said, visibly moved by the opportunity she now had.
For Cheryl, moving into Cathedral Plaza marked a turning point. “Well, I’m thankful”she said, with a genuine smile that hadn’t come easy in her past years of hardship.
“I’m thankful that I’m here, that I’ve gotten into this place, and that I’ve met all these wonderful people”
Cathedral Plaza, and the community there, gave her more than just a roof over her head—it offered a new sense of belonging and safety.
“It was tough for a while, but I think God has been watching over me. He’s been guiding me, keeping me strong, and showing me the way”, she said with a look of quiet faith.
The importance of a secure, stable home for seniors like Cheryl cannot be understated.
Catholic Charities doesn’t only provide a place to live but focuses on helping seniors and people
with disabilities stay engaged with their community. Cathedral Plaza fosters both personal
well-being and connection, promoting opportunities for social engagement, mental stimulation,
and even educational events. These programs have been designed to further Catholic Charities
hopes to prevent isolation, which too often affects older adults living alone.
“I feel like I’m part of something bigger here” Cheryl said.
As she reflected on her new home, her furry family Maggie sat on her lap, Cheryl’s gratitude was evident. “Here I am” she said softly.
“I’m happy; I’m content. The people that work here—they’re fantastic. They’re considerate and kind, and they’re on top of everything. They don’t let anything slide, and I feel safe.”
She smiled, thinking of the staff who supported her and her neighbors daily.
“It’s a blessing. Catholic Charities has given me hope, peace, and happiness.”
Reflecting on her journey, Cheryl’s heart swelled with gratitude. “This is a fresh start for me” she said, her voice filled with both peace and excitement.
“Being here in this building, in this new apartment, with a new life… it’s more than I ever expected.”
Cheryl paused and then spoke, as if to herself,
“I never thought I’d be here, happy again, feeling safe. It’s a gift. I’m truly blessed.”