In the mornings, Hugo goes out for a cup of coffee and then checks in at the San Francisco Day Labor program, where he picks up work painting houses, gardening, and cleaning houses.
"Painting is my favorite," he says. "It’s one job, it’s mine, and I can do it well."
On his days off, he often goes to the San Francisco Public Library, to read books about Cesar Chavez and similar people who have inspired others to do great things.
Because of the stability provided by Dolores Street's four month shelter stays, he has been able to work more consistently than ever before. His case manager at Dolores Street is also creating a small set of business cards for Hugo; he will use them to build up and generate more business for himself, print more business cards, and eventually save more money.
After four months at Dolores Street, the staff will work on an exit plan for Hugo, helping him find permanent shelter and more security. For now, he is very happy to be at Dolores Street. "In five years," he says. " I would like to have a family of my own, a place to live, things like that." At Dolores Street, he has taken a first step in that direction.
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