Story 1: A Journey from Crisis to Stability

When a community member first came to The Community, Inc. in Garden City, Kansas, she was living in an unsafe and emotionally abusive environment. The person she lived with controlled many aspects of her daily life, took her belongings, and stole her money. Feeling trapped and unsure where to turn, she reached out to Community Health Worker Andrea Gallegos.

“I didn’t know where to go,” she recalled. “I came to the church because I needed help.”

Andrea responded immediately, helping her leave the unsafe environment and transporting her to a secure location. Because she no longer had a stable address, her Supplemental Security Income benefits had stopped. Andrea helped her establish a reliable mailing address, connected her with community resources, and began assisting her in the search for permanent housing.

Finding safe and affordable housing was a lengthy process that took approximately six months. During that time, Andrea provided ongoing case management, advocacy, transportation, assistance with housing applications, and regular visits to the temporary home where the community member was staying. Andrea also helped move her belongings to a friend’s home while she waited for permanent housing and provided consistent emotional encouragement throughout the process.

“I felt like I belonged here,” she said. “I felt like I was part of the family.”

Because she does not drive, Andrea’s ability to provide transportation and meet with her in person was critical. She was also able to participate in La Plática, a Community Health Worker-led program designed to reduce loneliness and social isolation by connecting participants with others in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Throughout the housing search, she became discouraged and considered giving up. Andrea continued to encourage her, assuring her that they would keep working together until she found a safe place to call home.

“It wasn’t easy,” she shared. “There were many stressful moments, and I almost gave up. But Andrea kept telling me not to give up. She helped me apply for housing and complete everything I needed. Thank God, I finally got my own apartment. Now I have my own place, and I’m very happy.”

Reflecting on what might have happened without the support of a Community Health Worker, she believes she likely would have become homeless and may have struggled to trust others again.

Today, she is living safely in her own apartment, has regained stability, volunteers with The Community, Inc., and remains connected through supportive programs and relationships.

Her journey demonstrates that Community Health Workers provide far more than resource navigation. They build trusted relationships, respond during crises, advocate for individuals, reduce isolation, and empower community members to overcome barriers and achieve lasting stability.

Andrea Gallegos
Community Health Worker