Guanita
After she lost her job two years ago, Guanita had nowhere to turn. After a series of medical setbacks including multiple surgeries on her foot her medical expenses became too great and she was unable to pay her rent.

She ended up seeking shelter through public assistance, moving from shelter to shelter in New York. But it was a heart attack while she was in a shelter that forced her into an extended hospital stay and ultimately to Susan’s Place. She was in need of a medically capable facility.

“I feel more confident,” Guanita said about being at Susan’s Place. “It’s better having a clinic here. Since I’ve come here, I haven’t had as many problems.”

One of the main reasons she credits Susan’s Place for helping her is in the physical layout of the facility.

“The flat layout enables me to get around,” she said. “In the other shelters, all the stairs gave me such trouble. Now I can get around without having to use any stairs. There aren’t any here.”

The layout isn’t the only reason she’s thankful for Susan’s Place.

“I appreciate the staff here because they’re very calm. They know how to speak to people. The building is nice and clean and the people are very conscious. It’s good.”

See other stories at "Homeless Voices."