Like many people who become medically homeless, Mary Margaret, a childhood incest survivor, once lived in her own home, drove her own car, and worked to support herself as a nurse in a hospital. However, at age 59, she was plagued by severe health problems which ultimately led to the loss of her income.

Along with her mother’s sudden death, Mary Margaret’s life began to unravel, and in that unraveling, she lost her home, car, and capacity for hope. She soon tried to commit suicide. When the suicide failed, Mary Margaret voluntarily committed herself to the Austin State Hospital (ASH). After being discharged, she eventually walked into the ARCH, where she began meeting with a case manager (social worker). Mary Margaret was put on the list for a studio apartment at Garden Terrace Residences, a permanent supportive housing program. Three months later, she was successfully housed and started participating in the Garden Terrace Resident Services Program. With the continued assistance of a case manager, Mary Margaret is now receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and food stamps. She loves to read and cook and is thankful to have a place to call home.

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