Two months prior to the interview, the butterfly costume on her puppy and the pretty blouse she wore would have seemed like an unachievable dream.

Michelle found herself unhoused after fleeing a domestic violence situation. With no money, no job, and no roof over her head, her dog was her only protector. Still, cute Camile, while a steadfast companion, was not able to defend against illness.

Michelle was sleeping outside a hospital, “I was very, very sick. Defecating all over myself for three days…I couldn’t move.”

People were walking over her, her clothing only becoming dirtier as she continued to sleep on the streets. “I gained enough courage to go to the bathroom in the library,” She said, which was where the Catholic Charities team found her, sobbing in soiled clothing.  

“They whisked me here,” She said, motioning to the new rooms at Rachel’s Promise, the 24/7 shelter for women who are unhoused. Originally run out of a small building a few blocks over, the shelter is now moving to the historic Eagles Hall Building right next to the women’s center, which Catholic Charities also runs.

Rachel’s Promise is a part of the large Rachel’s Program operated by Catholic Charities and located in downtown San Diego. The program is a known safe place for women struggling with a lack of shelter. Not only is the program a place for women to get off the streets, if only for the day, but it is also a community. Through activities and meals, the women coming to Rachel’s Program build each other up, finding the strength to overcome the many traumas they have endured.

Coming to Rachel’s Promise, Michelle was able to shower, she admitted, “…for the first time in probably months.” Then the team brought her to her bed, pulling out brand new sheets. “A brand new bed,” Michelle said reverently, “which I hadn’t had since I was young.”

Michelle’s cheerfulness and hope radiated out of every smile and action. She walked the path of her daily routine, a tour of the block in downtown where Rachel’s Program operates. The path happens to be the exact streets she once slept on, and ones where those who are unhoused still sleep.

She waves to the people on the streets, asking how they are, letting them know where they can get a meal, even what’s on the menu that day. “They are very sick, and hard to reach,” She explained, having first hand experience of what challenges face those who are without housing. One day, Michelle wants to be a help for the people who struggled just like her.

Following her the whole time is Camile, her puppy and closest companion. For Michelle, nothing is more important than Camile, who has been with her through all her ups and downs.

Michelle wouldn’t have gone anywhere without Camile, “I was laying on the ground thinking, I am not going to be able to go anywhere because I am going to have to give my dog up.” Michelle isn’t the only person who feels this way, she explains “for women here that have pets, we stay on the street for a long time because there are no places for pets.”

“But at Rachel’s,” She said smiling at Camile, “No problem!” The program is a rare place where pets of all shapes and sizes are allowed, from dogs and cats to birds and lizards. Beyond allowing them in, the pets are able to receive veterinary care, toys, food, crates, and even cute little butterfly costumes like the one Camile wore.

Trauma is hard to face alone, and the coldness of the San Diego streets can be eased a little bit by the companionship of an animal. To honor that, Rachel’s Program assures all the participants that their pets are welcome here; just as they are.

“They value our animals right along, as the same as they value us.”