From Turmoil to Tranquility: Transforming One’s Life with a New Bed and Peaceful Home

Wesley Tremmel, Housing Choices client of two years, enjoying the community room at 1585 Studios.

The Inspiring Journey of Finding Wellness Through a Healthy Home

A home is not just a shelter; it's a sanctuary that nurtures our mind, body, and spirit. When our community members have a stable and supportive home environment, they can build resilience, confront life's challenges, and flourish. Conversely, a turbulent home can impose a heavy toll on one's overall wellbeing.

Wesley Tremmel's living arrangements were a constant struggle with uncertainty and discomfort. He was renting a room in a house with others who constantly brought over strange overnight guests. Both the intrusive guests and the housemates would disturb Wesley, leaving a mess in his space and making loud noises all throughout the night.

Wesley recalls, "I was stressing so much...it was horrible." The constant fear, lack of safety, and loud noises worsened the symptoms of Wesley’s developmental disability.

“It was just a very uneasy situation, it was almost making me sick,” winced Wesley.

Luckily, Wesley's life took a positive turn when he connected with Housing Choices, a nonprofit organization that helps people with developmental disabilities find and retain affordable and suitable housing.

After accounting for Wesley’s budget, preferences, and lifestyle, Housing Choices was able to secure Wesley his own apartment at 1585 Studios. However a new challenge arose shortly after Wesley moved in - he didn't have a bed.

During a routine check- in Wesley’s Resident Coordinator, Jorge, noticed that Wesley was sleeping on an air mattress and was determined to make a difference. Through advocacy, patience, and research, Jorge secured a grant from the Bay Area Furniture Bank to have a brand new bed delivered to Wesley's studio.

“I wanted to see Wesley move up, you know? Sleeping on the floor and things like that…I wanted to see him get that bed so that he could feel good about himself,” expressed Jorge. “So he can feel like his home is coming together.”

Housing Choices Senior Resident Coordinator Jorge smiling in his office at 1585 Studios in Mountain View.

Wesley recalled his disbelief and gratefulness when he received his bed.

Overtime, Jorge built an even closer relationship with Wesley. “I love Jorge. I can remember like a couple of months ago he had a 24 pack of toilet paper for me. I was like wow,” said Wesley.

“They really care about the people here you know.”

The welcoming atmosphere at 1585 Studios provided him with the solace and tranquility he had longed for. Living independently granted Wesley the freedom to finally unwind without being weighed down by constant distress.

“I'm not getting headaches and getting sick because I'm worrying so much. My overall health is way better. I feel like I could just be relaxed,” said Wesley in relief. “It's just a dream come true to be here compared to where I was.”

Wesley's journey with Housing Choices illustrates the profound impact of a stable home on one's health and happiness. Through Housing Choices' dedicated efforts and Senior Resident Coordinator Jorge's unwavering support, Wesley's life underwent a remarkable transformation, empowering him to seek out opportunities. A stable home with a support network is the very core of a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Housing Choices will continue to empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live independently in a home that takes a holistic approach to health, promoting mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.