When Evelyn had an anxiety attack at work, it changed her life in a way she never thought was possible. Evelyn had a thriving career that allowed her to purchase her own home and car.

“I was always self-sufficient until one day I had an attack and it all changed for me,” Evelyn explained.

Evelyn found herself struggling with both mental and physical health issues that only increased once she became homeless. She never imagined she’d find herself living on the streets given all she’d accomplished.

"Mental health is an EVERYBODY issue, because it can happen to anyone at any time,” said Evelyn.

From MHALA Member to Advocate

Evelyn came to MHALA through our drop-in center in Long Beach, where she was connected to a therapist and psychiatrist, as well as food and other resources. She was able to find stable housing through the support of our housing services team and work opportunities through our employment program.

"Getting control of my mental health meant getting my self-respect and confidence back. I feel like me again, but changed from the experience. I now put my health – mental, physical, and spiritual – first before anything else,” said Evelyn.

Last year, Evelyn was one of the founding members of MHALA’s Advocacy Leadership Institute, where members obtain the tools and resources needed to advocate on the issues they care about.

She recently joined us as a fellow in our Jump Start program and will earn a certificate as a Mental Health Recovery Specialist.