Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center

Imagine being homeless and deaf. Brandi took on a journey to escape homelessness that many struggle to navigate without the ability to hear. Sunrise’s team is known for tackling some of the most difficult cases in town with tenacious support, hand in hand with our clients. This week, Brandi moved in to her new place at Community First Village that has adaptations like a light-creating doorbell.

So many of Sunrise’s clients battle disabilities - from physical to mental to cognitive - and the quality of help available often determines the success or failure of their effort to exit homelessness. Systems are often built with the assumption that folks who can see, hear, speak English and keep appointments. Navigation bridges that gap and fills in those holes. Brandi moved in, bolstered by the Sunrise staff who helped her make it through the year-long-plus process. Welcome home Brandi!

Dayquan & Jauan are cousins that found themselves homeless after moving to Texas. A friend they were staying with previously couldn’t help them anymore. They took the initiative to call 311, entered Southbridge Shelter, found jobs on their own, and worked closely with Sunrise Shelter Services case managers to make sure their housing plan stayed on track.

Thanks to Southbridge operator The Other Ones Foundation, Sunrise’s connections and their own hard work, Dayquan & Jauan didn’t have to wait too long to get approved for their first apartment! The young cousins are now sleeping in real beds in their own rooms for the first time in a long time. Through the safety and reprieve that shelters offer for a short time, along with Sunrise’s relentless case management, people can make their way out of homelessness!

After facing hardship and adversity for so long, Alexandra now works and lives in a three-bedroom apartment with her family and two dogs. It took a lot of bravery to get here. She came to Sunrise carrying the weight of domestic abuse and trauma. For many survivors, the road to stability feels overwhelming, challenging, and lonely. But Sunrise is built to provide support every step of the way.

Alexandra rebuilt her life on her own terms by finding her own employment, staying engaged with Sunrise's services, securing permanent housing, and working steadily toward reunification with her children. She never stopped showing up for herself and her family. Her story reflects her resilience, determination, and commitment to creating a safe and stable future for her children. Welcome home, Alexandra!!

To anyone in the middle of that process, there is always someone to help. Call 512-522-1097 to reach the Sunrise hotline.