Meet Whitney Aguirre, Lead Support Staff at El Dorado Navigation Center in Placerville. Whitney’s personal experience with homelessness fuels her passion for her work. “I know what it’s like, and I care about them deeply,” she says.
Whitney spent three years working at a nomadic shelter, which inspired her to join NCNN and pursue a career helping the homeless. “I felt lucky and honored to be given the lead support staff position,” she shares. Her role ensures that the shelter operates smoothly, providing essential services like mental health support, medical care, and case management.
Her lived experience allows her to connect with clients on a deeper level. “They get judged so poorly… but they’re still human, just going through a hard time,” Whitney explains. She believes that treating each person as an individual is key. “Each case is different; they all need different things.”
Whitney’s journey, from homelessness to leading support for others, is a testament to her resilience. “I knew I couldn’t be using and taking care of people… I wanted to be there, and I knew what I needed to do.” Thank you, Whitney for your dedication!