Thanksgiving Unites Hearts at PATH Villas: Amidst the bustling life of San Jose, the newest haven for community and support, PATH Villas at 4th Street, became a symbol of gratitude and new beginnings during this Thanksgiving season. This supportive housing site caters to individuals aged 55 and older, offering solace and stability to those who were once homeless.
Patti Fradenburg, one of the 94 residents who found a new home at PATH Villas since July, shared her emotional journey. From a career as a bakery manager cut short by health issues, including seizures, to the struggles of couch surfing and shelters, Fradenburg’s life took a positive turn with her move to PATH. “I walked into a new room upstairs, and I burst into tears ’cause I never expected to land somewhere like this,” she said.
For Fradenburg and many others, the transition to PATH has been transformative. “The difference in the anxiety and stress and all the noise and the fighting—all the trouble—all the fear all the time has been really rough. So coming here, man, I am sleeping like a baby. I don’t take anxiety meds anymore,” she expressed.
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The Thanksgiving dinner, organized by the local church Spark, became a communal event that showcased the spirit of unity and support. Mayor Matt Mahan and his family joined in to serve meals on Tuesday evening, emphasizing the crucial role of organizations like PATH in partnership with the county.
PATH, a non-profit dedicated to helping people statewide find permanent housing and case management, has proven to be a phenomenal partner, according to Mayor Mahan. “We have to show people we’re using their tax dollars well and that these investments work to help people get off the streets, turn their lives around, and live dignified, productive lives,” he emphasized.
Dwayne Hall, a resident who faced eviction four years ago due to rent increases, reflected on the positive atmosphere at PATH. “Just great conversation, you know. Everybody that I’ve met here has been kind and gentle to me,” Hall shared.
Mayor Mahan, appreciating the significance of the moment, mentioned how it was special to show his kids why community service matters. “I want them to meet a very diverse range of community members and to understand the challenges people face and sort of why I’m doing this work,” he stated.
Residents expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with their neighbors during the holiday season. “I think it brings us all together and makes us all feel like family and that comfort we all need, especially this time of the year,” Fradenburg concluded.
As the Thanksgiving feast at PATH Villas unfolded, it became more than a meal—it became a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the impact of a supportive home on the lives of those who once faced uncertainty and homelessness. PATH plans to open a new supportive housing site in Santa Clara County next year, continuing their mission to provide hope and dignity to individuals in need.