Woman overcomes homelessness thanks to help of local organization

Mitzi Lewis was homeless just one week ago, but today, she has a one-bedroom apartment of her own thanks to the kindness and hard work of Candice Elder.

Lewis was living in a street encampment by Oakland’s BART train system. She was suffering from health problems including multiple sclerosis and congestive heart failure. She says the street where she lived was dangerous.

Elder is the founder of the East Oakland Collective. She visits encampments like the one Lewis was living in and helps connect them with desperately needed meals and resources.

For Lewis, that meant helping her find a one-bedroom apartment and the assistance she needs to afford it. And that means she can finally sleep soundly at night.

“I don’t have to worry about being cold. I don’t have to worry about being hungry,” Lewis told KTVU. “I don’t have to worry about looking over my shoulders.”

Homelessness is a major problem in the United States. But with hard work and the right help, it is possible for those who are suffering to get back on their feet. 

Candice is happy to do her part, but she thinks we all have a responsibility to help those in need.

“We all need to come together,” she said. “And we all need to help out our unsheltered brothers and sisters.”