I was trying to work my way from Los Angeles to San Diego and had no idea where to go. It was hard finding the right opportunity and place to stay. I found the Rescue Mission by researching online. I just really identified with the mission statement that Jim Palmer had outlined — it was a perfect fit for me.

While I was here, I was participating in all the activities and services, and my legal problems didn’t really come to my mind. I was dealing with my inner soul. But after some time, I realized I could actually benefit from the Trinity Law Clinic and they were able to help me with legal issues.

I had a divorce settlement that was filed for a final judgment 10 years ago, and I had not received the outcome because of my homeless status. I also had a warrant out for my arrest because of a traffic violation in 2003. I think deep down that a lot of these issues I had not taken care of had been a burden and a shadow over me, and I knew that I had to take care of them; they were overwhelming.

I was blessed to have the Trinity Law Clinic fix those issues. It felt so effortless — I didn’t even have to go to court. The law professor and the students really went out of their way to make this happen and I’m so grateful to them.

When I arrived, I was suicidal and had lost hope in life. I think turning to the Rescue Mission, along with the help from the Trinity Law Clinic, was basically my saving foundation.