CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Hard work, determination and the vision of a better life has rewarded a formerly homeless Citrus Heights man with a new home, a job and a new, well-earned lease on life.

A portion of our unhoused community has fallen on hard times and find themselves “one step away” from a new life back on track. According to the nine homeless outreach navigators working throughout Sacramento County, one third of current cases fall into this “one step away” demographic. This step can consist simply of a security deposit, help on a rental application, a mental health care appointment, or a connection with a social worker that instills a level of confidence to help the client ‘get going’. That connection with our Citrus Heights Navigator Toni Morgan, is exactly what helped Seth get his life back on track. 

Meet Seth Landerfelt. Seth started using drugs at age seven. This led to more than a decade of abuse, wandering, trouble with the law, unstable housing, and the over-all difficulty of getting his life straightened out. A few years ago, he moved back to California to be closer to his mother.

However, once he had moved, hoping to start anew, troubles from his previous life loomed and prevented him from moving forward. The cycle of homelessness seemed insurmountable. Permanent housing, a fulltime job, and a normal life seemed out of reach until he got connected with the Sacramento Self Help Housing (SSHH) navigator Toni Morgan. 

The turning point came when Seth decided to enroll in a 21-day Bay Area Addiction Research and Treatment (BAART) program. From there, Toni and Seth made the mutual decision to move him into Grace House, a transitional house for those in recovery. For the first time in a long time, Seth felt the structure of a normal life creating a foundation for him, the cycle of homelessness beginning to peel away. 

After his stay at Grace House, Seth moved into Next Step Transitional Housing. Now comfortable and confident, Seth worked with Toni on applying for jobs, getting his driver's license, and creating action plans to set him up for success. 

Seth is now an employee of SSHH. He began working as a housing locator in July. His job, appropriately, is to assist our program participants with navigating the complexities of social assistance programs and the rental housing market. “What can I do today to better myself and others?” is his mantra. I can’t think of anyone more qualified to assist our clients than Seth. Good luck to you Seth! And congratulations on all you’ve accomplished. 

Seth is also an incredible photographer. Check out his work here:

www.sethmlanderfelt.com