I’m a first-generation San Franciscan, born and raised in the city whose family is originally from the Philippines. I attended public schools and have worked a variety of jobs, including restaurant management to becoming a hairstylist. I’m now working in the health care industry as an administrative secretary for a hospital here in San Francisco.  

I’ve been living in the same apartment for the past twenty-five years. As a single mom of two young kids, it hasn’t always been easy, especially with the constant rise in living expenses. It reached a point where it became next to impossible for me to continue living here in the city, which I love.  

The cost of living rose so high I simply could not make ends meet. The owners of the apartment stopped making repairs to the building and when it rained, puddles of water appeared all over the place. It became unbearable for me and my children. My name eventually got selected from a Section 8 waiting list.  

Transitioning to a new family home

A house was identified for my family to move into. The only problem was with the move-in costs. The city’s property management group required a substantial amount for the security deposit for first time housing program participants. It is what prompted me to reach out to the City’s Housing Authority requesting information on agencies or organizations that could help me in keeping my family housed. 

I knew about GLIDE’s history and Reverend Cecil Williams was always present for the TL community, but I never knew about the depth of services GLIDE provides. DeMarco McCall, GLIDE’s Walk-In Center Assistant Manager was the ONLY person of all the agencies I contacted to return my phone call.  

When I spoke with DeMarco, he was professional and courteous to me. I walked in on a Thursday, and by Monday of the following week I received notification from the city’s property management group that GLIDE was going to assist me in my application.  

GLIDE was a GOD-send! 

I received $9,600 in rental assistance from GLIDE which helped me complete my security deposit. My whole family is so thankful for the help GLIDE provided in keeping me and my family housed. I even called Demarco back to see if my kids could give back by volunteering.  

On my birthday, I attended one of Glide Memorial Church’s services, just to give thanks. There were tears of love for these changes in my life. GLIDE has been the biggest part and without GLIDE, I couldn’t have gotten into this new home.  

And GLIDE made it possible… Amen.