Meet Cat and Hymie: Housed Through the Power of Community

Cat and Hymie from Team Modesto are HOUSED!

Cat and Hymie are well known in the Modesto community, especially in the downtown area. They would set up with their chairs and enjoy music in the plaza every Friday, read their books, and listen to podcasts. Mayor Sue Zwahlen and our partners at the City of Modesto became steadfast allies in ensuring Cat and Hymie could get off the streets and into secure housing.

Cat and Hymie had really poor experiences with social services in the past. Navigating the bureaucratic housing systems can be an immense challenge, so they were not interested in being connected to shelters, housing programs, or outreach services. This all changed when a new outreach program launched in Modesto called CHAT (Community Health Assistance Team). They engaged with Cat and Hymie a lot in response to dispatch calls received by the police department about them hanging around businesses. CHAT talked to them about Downtown Streets Team and referred them over to join our Downtown Team. They absolutely loved volunteering with us and have remained consistent in their commitment to our Team. Our Modesto Staff has worked tirelessly this past year to help them overcome significant barriers including securing their vital documents, applying for a housing voucher, and complying with the court system.

After 30 years, they have ended their experience with homelessness!

When asked how DST has supported them Cat said, “I was in a deep rut, everything that DST has done for me has brought me up. And they still continue to bring me up. They are a good program if you are willing to put in effort." Hymie said, “I had nothing, but now I have everything. We have a home and something to look forward to. DST works”

Cat and Hymie are examples of resiliency and the magic that can happen when people experiencing homelessness have a Team of dedicated individuals backing them every step of the way. Welcome home!