DignityMoves: Formerly homeless man turns life around

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Gerard Pepe likes to greet everyone around him with a warm smile. 

But Life hasn’t always been easy for the 62-year old.

"Well I was on the streets. I was sleeping on the streets," said Pepe.

Pepe lived on the streets in Santa Barbara for about a year.

"People usually think that people are on the streets need food or clothing, and for me what I needed more than anything, was just companionship, someone I could talk to someone I could communicate with," said Pepe.

"Very lonely extremely lonely … it’s just very challenging being on the streets," said Pepe.

This year, Pepe turned his life around from living on the street to moving into DignityMoves housing at the Santa Barbara Street Village.

He’s also getting employment and attending college. 

"I got a job ... I got my own apartment and I’m going to SBCC College," said Pepe.

Pepe said he hopes to start a career helping those struggling with alcohol and drug addictions.

"I just wanna be able to help the young kids … stay off drugs … stay off boos …  and don’t smoke," said Pepe.

He is one of a dozen people from DignityMoves who transitioned to permanent housing.

"Our Goal is for Santa Barbara to be a light to all of California, and to the entire country of about how our community can come together and move quickly and efficiently to house people on the streets.
As for Pepe’s future, he’s making  big plans," said board member Aaron Adelheit of DignityMoves.

"My hope is that I can make an impact in the city in Santa Barbara for one and then in the state of California, then around the United States. Hopefully it’ll spread worldwide," said Pepe.

Pepe is currently working on his associates degree in psychology at Santa Barbara City College. 

Pepe is currently working on his associates degree in psychology at Santa Barbara City College.