SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Interfaith Community Services, a local North County based organization, recently joined the
to end homelessness in San Diego. The organization dedicated to getting people off the streets and into their own homes.
50-year-old Lynda Quartaro lived out of her car for 10 years. During the second round at Escondido's Interfaith Community Services, she slept in their shelter. Soon after, she started volunteering as a dishwasher and began serving drinks to the homeless during dinner services.
By March, she earned a job at Interfaith's janitorial company called Clearly Clean and moved into a home.
"It has made me a better person, it really has. It has changed my life completely," said Lynda.
However, it has been a challenge to encourage landlords that a person who used to be homeless can pay their rent.
"Most people who find themselves homeless have an eviction in their rental history, maybe a poor credit record and it's very difficult to get accepted by a landlord," said Greg Anglea, Executive Director for Interfaith Community Services.
Interfaith works as an advocate for people like Lynda, offering to pay first and last months rent, as well as the security deposit.
"We believe they are going to be successful in their home," said Greg.
"I feel like a shining star our there. Thanks to Interfaith, they have really brightened my whole life," says Lynda.
Many people like Lynda work at Interfaith Clearly Clean Janitorial Company and many more people are eligible for the job. The organization is trying to reach out to more businesses who will hire them.
If you would like to learn more about Interfaith, call 760-489-6380 or click here to visit their website.