Homelessness doesn’t happen to people with education, right?
A degree in social services, certification in chemical dependency, chairperson of the Seattle Public Schools Head Start program – these are a few of the accomplishments Charles “Carlos” Woodson had prior to 2009. Woodson, a single father and longtime Central District resident, spent his days taking care of his young son and his evenings speaking out on education. He was often quoted in the local paper as a source.
But after losing custody of his child, Woodson quickly found himself in a downward spiral that ended with a criminal rap sheet and homelessness. Homelessness was no longer an “issue” for Woodson – it was his reality.
“I gave up on life when I lost him,” says Woodson. “I was depressed. I was angry, and I tried to make everyone else around me suffer like I was suffering I had all sorts of education around these issues, but I couldn’t figure out how to treat and take care of myself. Nothing mattered to me anymore.”
Woodson spent a total of six years on the streets of Seattle. In October of 2014, he decided it was time to turn his life around, and he began by turning himself in to court to begin dealing with his legal issues.
Woodson found out about JFS through the Stroum Jewish Community Center. He recalled that during his leadership days, he had worked with Sam Stroum (z”l) and thus made the connection with the SJCC. Woodson called to see if the organization had any resources that could help him, and they referred him to JFS.
“My job used to be to educate and help others,” says Woodson. “I was looking at myself in the mirror and realizing I was not the person I should be. I knew I needed help and quick.”
Emergency Services Case Manager Shira Stern met with Woodson and agreed to assist him with his initial move-in costs. First-month’s rent and deposits are often the biggest obstacles people face in making the move from homeless to housed. Woodson is working with the Seattle Housing Authority to find an appropriate living situation, and with help from JFS, he will be ready to act quickly once a home is secured.
“It’s hard for me to ask for help as it’s a pride thing for me,” says Woodson” The assistance from JFS provides me with the help I need to get started, which is what I was really hoping for. Finding stable housing will make a big difference in my life.”
Woodson is looking forward to finding his new home this month.
By Leslie Sugiura
Savvy cook, extreme clam digger, urban gardener and mom to Stella the dog are just a few of the titles Leslie Sugiura keeps in rotation. She’s also the Director of Special Events for JFS where she spearheads the annual Community of Caring Luncheon.
