How Did One Man Turn a Decade of Homelessness into a Life of Stability and Civic Leadership?
For many people with developmental disabilities, the concept of having a place to call their own is merely a distant dream. For Khalid Malik, this dream seemed especially unattainable after facing homelessness for over a decade. However, in November 2022, Khalid's life began to change when he enrolled in the Case Management for Homelessness (CMH) Program at Housing Choices. This program specializes in helping individuals with developmental disabilities who are homeless or at risk of homelessness secure immediate housing. It focuses on finding safe and comfortable living spaces while restoring dignity, hope, and stability to the clients' lives. The mission is to offer individuals like Khalid a chance to regain their footing and adopt a healthy lifestyle with the necessary support.
Guided by his CMH Housing Coordinator, Victoria, Khalid's journey towards stability and comfort began. Victoria diligently searched for housing options that matched Khalid's preferences – a budget-friendly 1-bedroom or studio apartment conveniently located near public transit. She communicated with property managers across Santa Clara County, handled application documents, filed for rental assistance, and coordinated interviews for Khalid.
Khalid's application and interview were successful at Iamesi Village Apartments, one of Housing Choices' Partner Properties in San Jose. In June 2023, he moved into his very own apartment and transitioned from the CMH Program to the Resident Coordination Program with Housing Choices. This program is dedicated to upholding Khalid's residence and ensuring his well-being by providing essential support.
For over a month, Khalid lived in his new, unfurnished apartment, sleeping on an air mattress and keeping his belongings on the floor. His Resident Coordinator, Alondra, noticed the sparsity of his apartment and Khalid's lack of restful sleep. Empathizing with his financial struggles, she took immediate action. Alondra collaborated with the finance department at Housing Choices to secure a $250 grant from the Bay Area Furniture Bank. With the grant, she found the most cost-effective options at Walmart, purchasing a twin mattress, a kitchenware set, a bed frame with a headboard and footboard, and a drawer organizer.
Using her own truck, Alondra collected the items delivered to the office. The finance department generously volunteered to help load the truck, and Alondra personally delivered the items to Khalid's front door. His overwhelming gratitude and excitement were palpable. “He was extremely grateful and excited to begin building his bed frame and get rid of his air mattress,” said Alondra. A proper bed brought immense relief, enabling Khalid to enjoy restful nights and wake up refreshed each morning. The kitchenware and dresser added a sense of normalcy and belonging to his new living space, allowing him to build a real home for himself. Khalid's once-empty apartment began to feel like a true home, with each piece of furniture enhancing his daily life.
With the grant, Alondra diligently searched for the most cost-effective options to maximize the funding. Eventually, she discovered that Walmart offered the best prices. She purchased a twin mattress, a kitchenware set, a bed frame with a complete headboard and footboard, and a drawer organizer to ensure Khalid's belongings were neatly organized. Alondra used her own truck to collect all the items that had been delivered to the office. The finance department generously volunteered as movers, assisting in loading the truck with all the items. Alondra then personally delivered these items to Khalid's front door. His overwhelming gratitude and excitement were palpable.
“He was extremely grateful and excited to begin building his bed frame and get rid of his air mattress,” said Alondra.
Khalid Malik with his new furniture that Housing Choices was able to get him through Bay Area Furniture Bank.
In less than a year, Khalid went from being homeless to having his own furnished apartment in San Jose. Additionally, Housing Choices helped Khalid secure a part-time job as a Lived Experience Member of the City of San Jose Race and Equity Impact Team (REIT). In this role, he collaborates with city staff to review and improve equity policies within the Housing Department and housing programs. Khalid has helped the team further recognize that disability status is an important aspect of equity. He has contributed to discussions on race and equity policy reforms, including proposing updates to the San Jose Housing Department's mission statement to incorporate perspectives on homelessness and disability.
His unique viewpoint as an African American, a member of the disability community, and someone who has experienced homelessness enriches the discussions. “We have good conversations about the program and housing. It’s pretty good for me because I really don’t do anything all day, so I enjoy getting out of the house, going to the meetings, and spending time with other people,” Khalid shares. During REIT meetings, Khalid emphasizes that leaders can come from diverse backgrounds and that leadership can take many forms. “Anybody can have a leadership position; it’s not just one culture,” he states. He has also provided valuable insights into the experiences of those who receive critical city services, suggesting ways to enhance these programs.
Khalid Malik's story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of supportive housing programs and the strength of the human spirit. From over a decade of homelessness to a stable home and a meaningful role in advocating for equity, Khalid's journey is truly inspiring.