Efrain’s Story: “Grateful, Patient, and Cool as a Cucumber”

Efrain was a long-standing participant at Do Good’s Wy’east shelter, and recently opened the door to his new apartment. His journey is one of immigration, inequities, hard work, dedication, and trusting collaboration with Do Good staff.

35 years ago, Efrain came to the United States from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, with a green card and a job lined up. He worked hard and maintained his employment…and then he became ill and lost that job, and with it, his green card.

This forced him into poverty. He bounced around the shelter system before arriving Wy’east in late 2019, right before the start of the pandemic. During his stay with us, Efrain did have a valid ID and Social Security card and tried to maintain an income.

However, often, these jobs offered low rates and long hours with supervision by exploitative bosses. Efrain suffered a back injury, and due to his immigration status, he was unable to receive worker’s compensation and or continue work, leaving him with no income.

Grateful, patient, understanding… and cool as a cucumber

– Nelia T., describing Efrain

Wy’east staff describe Efrain as a “model participant”— offering to clean and help around the shelter, despite his physical limitations. He is well known for being polite to staff and other participants.

Eventually, he began to work with Nelia, a Navigation Specialist at Wy’East, for whom Spanish is their first language.

Nelia connected Efrain to an immigration lawyer and they began the process of reclaiming his green card, so that when he did move into his permanent housing, he would be set up for success. With the right cultural knowledge, sensitivity, and support, the pair was able to find ideal housing for Efrain in less than a year.

It's been about 3 weeks since Efrain stepped through the front door of his new apartment.

He’s now focused on obtaining a green card so he can seek medical treatment for his injuries and go back to work as his body allows. Efrain’s determination and consistent work through many hardships, language barriers, and shelter systems have been the key to his success, and we couldn’t be more excited for Efrain to begin his journey to healing in a new space.

His story highlights that all individuals are deserving and capable of finding space to heal, grow, and feel safe in this world. Do Good is honored to empower staff like Nelia to go above and beyond to help our unhoused neighbors to persevere.