Jason

Jason grew up nearby in a difficult home environment. As a young adult, he moved to Arizona looking for job opportunities and affordable housing.

Then the pandemic hit. Jason returned to California and found himself back in the same environment he had worked hard to leave behind. He knew he needed something different. He was forced to leave home again.

Jason had steady income and work experience. But like so many people, housing was out of reach.

“I wondered why I was working, yet still homeless,” Jason said.

Without stable housing, it became harder for Jason to keep his job. He was forced to quit. Like many people experiencing homelessness, the lack of stability makes it difficult to move forward.

Then he connected with the USHS Outreach Team.

That connection led Jason to the USHS Adult Center in Pasadena. While there, he joined the newly formed Culinary Training Program.

The program gives residents hands-on commercial kitchen training over three weeks. Participants earn their Food Handler Certification, which can help open doors to jobs in food service and hospitality.

One month after he received his certification, an updated resume, and newfound confidence, Jason landed a job interview at a local hotel in Pasadena. A first of many. More importantly, he found motivation again.

“I’m grateful to USHS for getting me off the street,” Jason shared. “The Culinary Program gave me motivation and helped me move forward.”

Stories like Jason’s are possible because of people like you.

Your support helps provide housing, job training, and opportunities for neighbors who need a fair chance to move forward.