Project Description

“To be homeless, that was the hardest job I’ve ever done in my life.”

Elaine has worked tirelessly her entire life. She owned a coffee shop, was a certified nurse’s assistant and has worked in electrical wiring. “But to be homeless, that was the hardest job I’ve ever done in my life,” she said while holding back tears.

Elaine is one of over 10,000 in Salt Lake County battling homelessness; fighting to find some normalcy. Elaine became homeless because of a violent relationship, and when she first became homeless, she lived in the back of her truck with her dog. After each frigid night in her truck, Elaine made her way to employment centers and fought to find some work. She did this for eight months. “I couldn’t get a job. I was over at the LDS Employment center every day like clockwork dressing up and trying to survive.” Elaine finally acquired her own space via senior citizen housing, and is looking forward to the future for the first time in a long time.

Fourth Street Clinic is there for people like Elaine every step of the way. She scheduled a mammogram screening, one of the many preventive services the Clinic provides. After her follow-up appointment, Elaine walked confidently down the corridor of the clinic: the results were negative. “I already knew I was going to be okay,” Elaine laughs.

She left with a wide smile on her face – knowing that sometimes, no news is good news.

Looking for a way to help women like Elaine? Donate to Fourth Street Clinic today and you’ll be providing high-quality health care to women and men experiencing homelessness in Utah. You can also make in-kind donations, such as hygiene kits or needed medical supplies.