Chris: Step Up to the Plate Again

Chris was a talented student and pianist as a child growing up in the East Bay. But a terrible car crash left him with slight brain damage and altered his motor skills. The major injuries put him temporarily in a wheelchair and he missed an entire year of school. 

“I went into a tailspin,” Chris said.

Even though his social life and his development had been disrupted, Chris persevered. He worked hard through his teenage years to return to school and make a nearly full recovery. But as an adult he continued to catch bad breaks. 

He was diagnosed as HIV positive in 2001. But, as usual, Chris persevered, and tried to make the best of things. 

He worked full-time at East Bay school districts for more than two decades, including years spent as a special education instruction assistant who taught handicapped students.  

However, budget cuts a decade ago forced district layoffs, including his position. With his income slashed, he was evicted and could not find housing. He began sleeping at friends’ houses or even in his car. His vehicle once was robbed as he slept in it. He began abusing drugs and alcohol and, in time, police confiscated his car. That’s when Chris says he hit rock bottom. 

So, he checked into a substance abuse program, gained temporary housing, and got a job. He was referred to Abode, which placed him in housing that specializes in helping HIV positive tenants.

There, Chris said Abode employees have helped him in many ways, providing him a number of things including food, cleaning supplies, furniture, and computer resources.  

Abode also helps Chris find health and educational resources that he previously couldn’t find. In addition, he is now clean and sober.

Lastly, Abode has helped find a new full-time job with benefits that he enjoys. Chris is a shuttle bus driver who helps disabled commuters travel to spots all over the Bay Area.   

Chris likes the job, in part, because he can help people who are in need. He also cherishes his regained sense of independence.

“I’m able to step up to the plate again,” he said. “Having my own address and a roof over my head means I can get my own mail and be my own person. Living here with Abode’s help has been an utter blessing.”