Meet Sammy

Sammy was forced back to living on the streets of Downtown L.A. after being discharged from a facility where he no longer met the mental health requirements of that program.

In April 2021, Sammy arrived at the Hilda L. Solis Care First Village, operated by the Weingart Center.

When he arrived at the facility, Sammy expressed his gratitude along with the desire to have his ADA service animal. Once Sammy was able to obtain his ADA dog, he expressed feeling more optimistic as the service animal, "helps increase my mobility and helps widen my social circle," Sammy states. "More than anything, I feel more independent and have a heightened sense of individualism."

Sammy is working on a housing plan that includes sensitivities to persons with different needs and accessibility. Sammy is also attending graduate-level classes that specialize in communication with individuals with hearing impairment.

Although Sammy has not obtained permanent housing yet, his journey is proving successful.