After many months of this, Mike’s parents died. But Mike’s story was only beginning. Taking care of his folks had been a full-time enterprise, and without any savings to speak of, Mike became homeless.

Homelessness in any city is not a happy experience, but fortunately for Mike, the city in which we live offers some last-ditch opportunities to keep one safe and warm at night. At least. They’re called homeless shelters.

Life inside a homeless shelter is not pretty. The experience mirrors military boot camp, except no commanding officers hold the men in check. Raucous arguments take place in the middle of the night. Thefts routinely occur as one sleeps. Privacy becomes only a dimly recalled theory, and food is offered, but the wise usually decline in favor of an independent soup kitchen’s generosity, provided later in the day.

This lifestyle dragged on for two years. Finally, Mike’s number came up and with the help of General Assistance, Mike found a real home. Working part time at his single resident occupancy hotel Mike was able to enroll at the local City College. There he found professionals in the business of clean.

NEXT TO GODLINESS

Mike was ushered into the milieu of his new profession by way of classes like Introduction to public health. Mike went on to complete Introduction to Community Health Work where he got his hands-on experience, which led to classes in Conflict Resolution, and Stress Reduction, each designed to further Mike’s job as a care-giver.

Mike found his niche, but getting there was not  a decision he made arbitrarily. He found a job at the Tenderloin Health clinic, and shortly thereafter found himself in The Community at Work program.

Then, Mike registered with San Fancisco’s In-Home Support Services Agency. The agency exists to provide city-funded in-home care for the newly disabled and the elderly. More classes included basic and advanced home care training through the IHSS and further, getting a Community Health Worker’s certificate.

Mike rounded out his experiences working with Hospitality House and the Episcopal Sanctuary, all within the San Francisco Bay Area. With his experiences caring for his parents, coupled with the knowledge garnered from the Homeless Outreach Services, Mike was fully ready to begin his new career.

THE CRUSADE

The thing that’s kept Mr. Caravallo at it has been his innate concern for his clients, and that niggling voice at the back of his head insisting, “Bacteria are the enemy. Wipe them out!” It’s a philosophy which has served Michael well in the intervening years.

So, if you happen to find yourself newly released from the hospital and need a helping hand, register with The San Francisco In-Home Support Services. Ask for Mike Caravallo. You couldn’t ask for, or find a better housekeeper.

And he does windows!