After Years of Challenges, a Senior Finds Stability

Raymond K. has had an eventful journey en route to his new home at Victoria at COMM22, a senior property in San Diego.

A Kansas native, Raymond earned a bachelor’s degree in data processing, then secured a good position as a tech supervisor for a major consumer electronics firm. Unfortunately, he struggled with addiction. “I burned through a bunch of money on drugs,” he said. “Eventually, I lost my job.”

Raymond has now been clean and sober for 15 years, though his employment situation has been bumpy. He worked as a security guard until the economic downturn of 2008 cost him his job, his income and, eventually, his home.

“I stayed in shelters and worked part time,” he said. “I tried to find a full-time job so I could get out of the shelters. After two and a half years of looking, I just gave up.”

He was, however, able to earn some money through recycling. And as fate would have it, his walking route to the recycling center took him right past the Victoria at COMM22 construction site.

“Once the construction sign went up, I went to the library and started researching this place,” he said. “Then I realized that I might have a chance to move in here.”

Raymond submitted his application and qualified for and was offered an apartment. When informed of the rental rate, he could not believe it was within his means. For the first time in a long time, he knew he would have enough money each month for food, transportation and other necessities.

“When I was younger, I used to work in construction, so I know a thing or two about quality,” he said. “I am amazed at how well this place is designed and built. I’m immensely happy here.”