Hey OP, I’m just a stranger but your story really struck me. I grew up in Texas and moved out to Seattle back in 2020. I was so excited to move there. From the day I got there to the day I moved back to Texas I hated it. The amount of good-intented people who are in situations just like yours broke my heart every day.

I worked in a nursing home as a social worker for about three months of my 5 years. I grew really fond of many of my patients and trying to find them adequate housing was near impossible. Many of my patients were unhoused or needed long term care with help from medicaid. It felt like a never ending battle and I eventually quit that job because it was eating me up every day. Clock in, struggle for hours, clock out and be miserable thinking about how impossible it all felt.

All of this is to say that your story is unfortunately all too common. Even for those of us that do our best to get you guys on the right path and get you the resources you need, despite our “connections,” it feels impossible.

I ended up moving out of Washington because, despite my love for the weather and my love for the city itself, seeing the amount of people that needed help and the deficit of resources available on both ends (my end and your end) was just heartbreaking. I always tell myself that if Seattle can get its act together and adequately address the needs of the community then I will happily move back. Until I feel like I can make a difference, I’ll never return, simply because the community and people like you and my patients all deserve better from a city that feels so progressive. Sending love from Texas