For Ms. Sandra, the road to stability has been long, winding, and often unpredictable. Originally from Chicago Heights, Illinois, she first came to Texas through her service in the U.S. Army. Although her time in the military was brief, it set the course for her future—bringing her to Austin, where she would eventually make her home.
Over the years, Ms. Sandra built a life in Austin, working in retail and eventually managing a flower shop for over a decade. But like many, she faced unexpected hardships that led to homelessness. She spent years couch surfing, carrying the weight of uncertainty and the emotional toll of relying on others’ space and rules. “When you couch surf, you live by other people’s rules,” she says. “Now I finally have my own place, and I will keep it.”
Her turning point came when she reached out for help. “I was tired of being homeless,” Ms. Sandra says. It was through the coordinated efforts of local support systems like ECHO and the Veterans Affairs office that she found her way to Front Steps. She was connected with Ana, her case manager through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, and soon began the rapid rehousing process.
And rapid it was.
“Front Steps’ rapid housing really was rapid.” Ms. Sandra shares. “I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think they would help me, but they did, and it was a blessing.”
Now living in her own apartment, Ms. Sandra finds joy in the little things she missed during her years without a home. “I love gardening, and even if I can’t do it outside, I’m going to have my plants inside. I’ll store them here with me,” she says with a smile. A lover of dogs and someone who values cleanliness and peace, Ms. Sandra is ready to enjoy her space fully.
Most of all, she’s grateful. “God sent me to Front Steps, and God told them to help me too
,” she says. “It’s totally a God thing, or a higher power, shall I say.”
Looking ahead, Ms. Sandra hopes to build new relationships and enjoy the stability she’s worked so hard to regain. “I’d like to make new friends with a better quality of life,” she says thoughtfully. “Not to put anyone down, I was homeless myself. But I’m ready to move forward.”
To those still experiencing homelessness, her message is clear: “If you’re a vet, go to Front Steps. They are there to help you—and they do help you.”
To the Austin community, Ms. Sandra offers encouragement: “If you want to help but don’t know how, call 2-1-1. They’ll point you in the right direction—maybe even to Front Steps.”
Ms. Sandra’s story is a powerful reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone, but so can recovery. With compassion, connection, and rapid access to housing, change is possible and lives are transformed.
Help Us End Homelessness in Austin
Your support can help more veterans like Ms. Sandra find safe, stable housing and a second chance. Front Steps provides homelessness prevention in Austin, veteran housing programs, and rapid rehousing services that make lasting impact.
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