In Bullhead City, Ariz., experiencing homelessness is extremely dangerous. In the summer, temperatures can range between 115-120 degrees daily. But for people like Danielle, surviving out in the unrelenting heat may feel like the only option.
In June 2023, Danielle was dealing with both homelessness and an addiction to substances. She wanted to find help, but the scorching heat drained her of all her energy.
Finding Emergency Shelter
One day, a friend invited her to lunch at the Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope. The Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope, operated by Catholic Charities, is an emergency shelter, day resource center and outreach center.
Danielle was hungry, so she decided to meet with her friend. After a hearty meal at the shelter, she met Lynn McGee-Swanson, a Housing Support Lead.
Lynn asked Danielle if she would like a bed at the shelter. Having a cool place to sleep and a soft bed was a stark contrast from her current living conditions, so she agreed.
Making the First Step Toward Sobriety
After getting settled into the shelter, Danielle realized she needed a rehabilitation program to help her in her recovery. She left the shelter for a rehab program in California.
While in California, Danielle relapsed and again found herself living on the streets. But she remembered the care and acceptance she received at the Bullhead City shelter and made it a point to find her way back.
Once she returned to Bullhead City, Danielle received a bed and began to get back on track. She used the shelter computers to find employment at a local fast-food restaurant. She made immense progress and even moved into an apartment.
Taking Ownership of Her Recovery
Sadly, because she was still addicted, she quickly found herself in trouble with the law and experiencing homelessness yet again. For Danielle, staying stable meant staying sober.
In February 2024, Danielle stayed at the Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope for the last time. By this point, she had learned from staff that she could use community resources to support herself in her recovery.
After a month at the shelter, she moved into Marina Point, a psychiatric residential treatment facility located in Bullhead City. After successfully completing the 60-day inpatient treatment, she moved to transitional housing.
Securing Permanent Housing
Danielle knew that the next step was stable housing, so she returned to Catholic Charities to get connected to a housing case manager. That’s when Danielle met Kim Leighton, a case manager at the shelter.
By November 2024, Danielle was housed with the help of Kim and Catholic Charities’ Rapid Rehousing Program. Danielle remains housed and is still employed by the restaurant.
Danielle credits both Lynn Swanson and Kim Leighton with her success as well as her own determination. She has been sober since February 5, 2024, and is currently enrolled in a GED program. “I don’t know where I would be without Kim and Lynn,” Danielle says.
