Hoping for a Nicer Shelter and Finding Love on the Streets
Cruz Rodriguez became homeless in 2015 after she says she mismanaged money after her husband passed away.
But she says she was able to find love again. Rodriguez moved to Reno 15 years ago from Gilroy, California.
She says that Reno is beautiful. She has been staying at the Record St. shelter. She said that she has a comfortable bed and has made close friends there but that the shelter could be better.
“A bigger place, nicer helpers, sometimes they throw us out in the snow or in the rain,” she said. “I can handle it because I can get a raincoat but some people are barefoot and it’s really sad.”
Rodriguez said that she can handle most things thrown her way because she is strong.
Before Rodriguez moved to Reno she was a seamstress specializing in dresses. She said she retired but started again because she needed money. Rodriguez gets food at the shelter compound, which is where she also met her current boyfriend.
“I met him when I was in line for food. So we’re in line, and he’s standing there, and he just wanted to kiss me I just knew it. I waited for this man all my life,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said one day they were just together and that’s how it started.