Each year, Care For the Homeless honors people who have experienced homelessness and achieved incredible milestones in health, housing, and employment. Their stories are reminders that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to homelessness, but with access to health care, supportive services, and community support, success is possible.

This Summer Solstice Success Celebration, we are celebrating Jeannette Ortiz, a woman whose strength and persistence have brought her to two major milestones: sobriety and permanent housing. Jeannette found critical support at Susan’s Place, where she gained the stability needed to advance in her health journey. She continues to move forward with gratitude, encouraging others to ask for help and lean on their community.

Her story shows that even when health is still a work in progress, small steps amount to great success.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What is your name, and can you tell me about yourself? 

Hi, my name is Jeanette Ortiz. It’s a privilege to be back once again at Susan’s Place—one of the best women’s shelters I’ve ever stayed in. I’m really glad to be here today. 

I just want to say to everyone who knows me—and to those who don’t—don’t be afraid to take a chance. Life is good, and it’s too short to waste doing nothing. 

Take it from me: I used to be involved in prostitution, in a lot of negativity, in drugs. But I changed all of that, thanks to someone passing away. [That loss] made me a better person. It made me who I am today. 

Now, I have my own place, and I thank Susan’s Place for that. I also thank the medical team here—they helped me progress and achieve my goals. 

Can you tell me about your experience with unstable housing and how you were connected to Care For the Homeless? 

Like I said, my unstable housing had to do with my past. I was involved in prostitution, and I experienced domestic violence. That led me to the women’s shelter—where everything started to change. 

Seven years ago, someone I loved passed away. That loss made me who I am today. I stopped doing drugs. I quit smoking. I got healthier. And if I could do it, you can do it too. 

You shared a bit about your health journey. Is there anything else you’d like to share—and what does your health success mean to you? 

The doctors here are great—Dr. Gonzalez, Catherine Garcia, the nurses. They’ve all helped me a lot with my health, and I’m still progressing. 

Don’t be afraid. Like I said, it’s hard when you’re on your own, but once you get away from all the negativity, it gets easier—and you can do it too. 

What have been some obstacles you’ve faced in improving your health? 

One big thing—I quit smoking cigarettes. That was a huge achievement. But lately, I’ve been having the urge to smoke again, so I think I might need medication for that. I’ll be reaching out to Catherine Garcia about it. 

What helped you achieve your housing success, and what does that mean to you? 

Susan’s Place helped me get my housing. I thank Susan’s Place for that. 

There was a time I didn’t take my medication, and I ended up having to go to another shelter. So, I want to say this: it’s so important to take your medication. If you don’t, one little thing can cause you to lose everything in a heartbeat. 

But now—I’ve achieved my goals. I have housing. I’m succeeding. And I have more goals ahead that I know I can accomplish. 

What advice would you give to others trying to find housing? 

My advice: don’t do drugs—at all. Stick with positive people. 

I didn’t get anywhere when I was using drugs or caught up in street life. You only start getting somewhere once you clear all that out of your life. That’s my best advice. Thank you. 

Is there anything else you want to add?  

I love my family. Thank you all—you never gave up on me. 

And to my grandma in Puerto Rico—I love you.