Cecilia Guzman has spent most of her life taking care of others. But for nearly ten years, while struggling with health issues and homelessness, she wasn’t sure if anyone would take care of her. At 81 years old, she still carries the weight of those years, but she also carries something else now: hope.
She lives in the San Fernando Valley, miles away from the clinic, yet she makes the two to three hour trip, by car or bus, just to be here.
“It has been an amazing experience, so satisfying,” she said. “I come all this way because I know I will be cared for.”
When Cecilia first came to East 3rd St., she wasn’t just looking for a doctor. She needed someone who would listen. Her provider, Dr. Goretti Garcia Gomez, along with Medical Assistant Susana Salazar, made sure she had what she needed such as medications, specialists, and the right care. But more than that, they gave her their time.
“When I needed an appointment with my cardiologist, Miss Susana helped me. I appreciate her attention and patience. She has taken care of this anxious little girl who talks a lot,” she laughed, wiping away tears. She knows what it feels like to be ignored or overlooked. But here, she has never felt that way.
For nearly a decade, Cecilia didn’t have a place to call home. She stayed in shelters, temporary housing, and anywhere she could find safety. With help from the clinic and community partners, she was eventually connected to Brilliant Corners, a foundation that helps individuals find stable housing. Even though she doesn’t have legal status, the team made sure she wasn’t left behind. After years of waiting, Cecilia finally moved into her own apartment.
“It is the best gift anyone could have given me,” she said. “After everything I’ve been through, I will finally have a place of my own.”
Cecilia has met many people throughout her journey, but a few have stood out.
“I want to take this moment to let you know that Miss Berna from Registration, with her red hair, is a gift from God. And my little angel, the Health Advocate who helped me connect with Brilliant Corners, has changed my life forever.”
For someone who spent years feeling invisible, having people fight for her has been overwhelming in the best way. Beyond the medical care and housing support, what stands out most to Cecilia is the kindness she feels every time she walks through the doors.
“The courtesy, care, and empathy from the staff mean everything,” she said. “They don’t treat me like a number. They really see me.” When asked to describe the team in one word, she didn’t hesitate.
“Excellent. Excellency is something very nice to have, and this clinic goes beyond expectations.”
Cecilia has spent a lifetime pushing forward, even when things felt impossible. But she knows there are many others like her. People who need care, support, and someone willing to help them take the next step. She hopes her story reaches others who might still be searching for help.
“A lot of people don’t know what this clinic offers,” she said. “If they did, they would come here too.”
For Cecilia, East 3rd St. isn’t just a clinic. It’s where she found the care, stability, and kindness she had been searching for. And for the first time in a long time, she knows she’s exactly where she’s meant to be.
Story Seeker: Health Advocate Karina Flores for Echo Park