Seattle Times Highlights Housing First and DESC Client
Tina Telles has lived in DESC’s Morrison Hotel since 2019 and receives lifesaving care every day
In an article published Sunday, January 18, the Seattle Times highlighted the story of Tina Telles, a DESC client living with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and a physical disability. Living at The Morrison Hotel, with onsite care providers and 24/7 support, has allowed Tina to build a routine that works for her — taking medications on time, accessing care when she needs it, and feeling connected to her community.
Tina became homeless after her mom abandoned her and stole her disability payments. Being on the streets deteriorated her health, especially after having total hip replacement surgery.
“There’s no routine when you’re homeless, you just are lucky to be alive,” Telles said of her time living outside.
DESC staff started working with Tina in 2019 to get her ID, medication, disability payments, and eventually her own apartment at The Morrison. Getting into housing without prerequisites has allowed her to regain her health and find stability — she now has a part-time job as a cat sitter and spends her days distributing food to other folks who are homeless.
“It’s wonderful housing. I want to stay here for 20 years, until I die,” Telles said. “I’m so happy that I’m not homeless.”
Read Tina’s story and more about the importance of Housing First below:
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