Tina Telles, a client of Downtown Emergency Service Center (DESC), has lived at The Morrison Hotel since 2019, receiving essential support for her mental and physical health. The Seattle Times featured her story, highlighting her struggles with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and a physical disability. After becoming homeless due to her mother’s abandonment and losing her disability payments, Tina’s health declined, especially following a hip replacement surgery.

Living at The Morrison provides her with 24/7 support and enables her to establish a daily routine, take her medications on time, and connect with her community. DESC staff helped her obtain her ID, medications, and disability payments, leading to her stable housing situation. Tina now enjoys a part-time job as a cat sitter and actively helps others by distributing food to those experiencing homelessness. She expressed her gratitude, stating, “It’s wonderful housing. I want to stay here for 20 years, until I die,” and emphasized her happiness at no longer being homeless. The article underscores the effectiveness of the Housing First approach in supporting individuals like Tina in regaining stability and health.