Like many people in the city Michael is homeless and struggling to find a home and a job.

Originally from Ohio, Michael has lived in San Francisco for over 27 years. Enough time that he now considers himself a native.

Invited to the city by a relative he found employment in a department store; but problems with alcoholism and going “a little over the top with… fun” eventually lost him his job and his housing. Single and without children, he currently lives on the streets and in shelters.

Project Homeless Connect (PHC) has been part of Michael’s life for some time. Michael learns about PHC events from flyers in shelters and drop-in centers and utilizes the events to receive some of the “basic necessities” that are hard to access when out on the street.

“But there are times when I have more things to get then just lunch and a haircut.” Michael says.

Beyond helping him procure hygienic products and groceries, PHC has also assisted Michael with obtaining a DMV ID and shelter services.

“The staff of volunteers is pretty nice in aiding people.” He observes.

Michael is currently looking for more secure housing and would like to find administrative work or work with computers. He enjoys using Microsoft applications, such as Word and Excel and writing letters. Michael is also interested in pursuing his passion, music, more seriously. A jazz trumpet player, Michael currently practices with a small combo, though he’s looking to find a regular gig. The group is still working on ironing out some kinks and coming up with a name.

Michael wishes that there were more public housing facilities for the disabled.

“…they have a lot of other specialty [sites] for other people - senior citizen, this group, that group - but I haven’t witness much… [for] people that are handicapped.”

Still, Michael is glad for the resources PHC has helped provide for him.