Jody -- Medical Programs and EMERGE
Jody had been working in administration at a staffing agency for seven years, and had been in a relationship for five of those years. Then one day Jody went for some medical tests and the doctor who was filling in for Jody’s regular physician said, “You knew your HIV test was positive, right?” That’s how Jody found out the devastating news. Receiving the HIV+ diagnosis, however, was only the beginning of Jody’s troubles.
Jody came home from the doctor’s office and told his partner the news, thinking they would get through it together. Jody suffered another devastating disappointment when his partner showed no support. He and his partner broke up, but remained roommates and co-workers for two years, which put a strain on Jody’s job and health.
Life became one challenge after another for Jody since the day he learned he was HIV+. He was dealing with his diagnosis, suffering from his partner’s betrayal then he receives notice of a pay cut. When the time came for Jody to start his HIV treatment, even though he had insurance, he didn’t know how he would be able to pay the monthly cost of treatment. His employer suggested that he go on unemployment to reduce his earnings so he would qualify for public aid.
That proved to be the decision that ultimately led to Jody becoming homeless. His unemployment income didn’t cover his rent and basic living necessities so he put his things in storage and thought that he would be able to stay with friends but realized that he didn’t have any, at least any that would help him.
Jody had only used drugs recreationally, but increased his usage after finding out that he was HIV+. “I thought I was going to die so I thought I would assist with that,” states Jody.
“I hit rock bottom when I became homeless, was HIV+ and in my mid-40s,” reveals Jody, who was also arrested for drug possession.
His health situation, throughout all the chaos going on in his life, didn’t deteriorate, however, like many people who have HIV. “When I realized that I was healthy and wasn’t going to die,” says Jody, “I started fighting for my life and knew I couldn’t be using drugs.”
Homeless but with a glimmer of hope, Jody sought help from AIDS Project LA, the organization he turned to when he learned he was HIV+. He got a voucher for a week’s stay in a hotel, then another for six weeks. Jody was referred to the Weingart Center Association and first came into the Recuperative Care program, which helps individuals with medical conditions. “It was really nice when I was in Recuperative Care because it felt like someone was taking care of me,” remembers Jody. A month later, a spot finally opened up in our HIV program. Having a safe place to live, Jody started working for a dermatology and plastic surgery office in Beverly Hills booking appointments. Things were looking up, until Jody severely cut his hand in a fluke accident, which led to six days in the hospital for surgery. Jody went on disability, and came back into Recuperative Care. Once his hand healed, Jody moved into the Weingart Center Association’s EMERGE program so he could really focus on stabilizing his life.
All residential programs at the Weingart Center require participants to save 75% of their income since basic necessities are provided at no cost. Using a portion of the savings he amassed while in the EMERGE program, Jody found an apartment and paid his rent for a whole year. If he hadn’t had that money he would have been turned down because of an eviction he didn’t know he had.
Jody fell victim to health issues, a few poor choices and unfortunate circumstances. The Weingart Center Association was there to help Jody when he needed it most. Through our many residential programs that give individuals enough time to heal both physically and emotionally then start rebuilding their lives, Jody was able to move on from a devastating low point. “I’m in my own apartment, working, and living a nice, normal life,” states Jody happily.
