Olivia Alatorre loves seafood. Lobster, shrimp, oysters — she could eat seafood all day and be happy as a clam. But when she was diagnosed with aggressive stomach cancer in 2021, Alatorre, 67, faced challenges far greater than losing her favorite foods. Her battle with cancer and its aftermath took a devastating toll on her health and financial stability.

Alatorre’s diagnosis came two years into her retirement, shattering her sense of security. “When they say something like that, the whole world is like...” she said, trailing off. “I thought, ‘I’m going to die, and I have nothing left.’”

In February 2022, Alatorre underwent surgery to remove what doctors initially estimated to be 20% of her stomach. But the cancer was so aggressive they removed her entire stomach, connecting her esophagus directly to her small intestine. The procedure left her struggling to eat or even drink water without vomiting. She endured chemotherapy, repeated esophageal dilations, and relentless stress.

Before her illness, Alatorre enjoyed a rewarding 39-year career at DuPont in San Jose, where she managed a team and thrived in her role. But after her retirement in 2019, the mounting medical bills from cancer treatment overwhelmed her hard-earned savings. To make matters worse, her son lost his job during the pandemic, leaving Alatorre’s retirement checks as her family’s sole income. When her landlord threatened eviction, Alatorre pawned cherished jewelry, started a GoFundMe, and borrowed from relatives in Mexico. Still, it wasn’t enough.

This is where HavenSafe stepped in. Shannon Clark, a case manager at HavenSafe, worked with Alatorre to navigate available resources and secure emergency rental assistance. With HavenSafe’s guidance, Alatorre applied for critical financial aid, which covered several months of rent and bought her family much-needed relief. “That took away from me a couple of months of stress,” Alatorre said. “I’m very grateful, very grateful for this help.”

HavenSafe’s mission is to prevent homelessness for families like Alatorre’s. By providing financial assistance and connecting individuals to essential resources, the organization aims to alleviate the burdens faced by those on the brink of eviction. In addition to helping Alatorre secure rental assistance, HavenSafe has been working with her son Octavio to find stable employment, ensuring long-term financial stability for the family.

Today, Alatorre is cancer-free and rebuilding her life. Her grandson Robert works at a grocery store to contribute to household expenses, and her granddaughter Ati is focused on her dream of studying marine biology at UC Berkeley. Despite the challenges, Alatorre’s family is finding their footing again, supported by HavenSafe’s ongoing efforts.

Alatorre is also reclaiming her love of cooking, preparing hearty breakfasts and planning special meals for her family. This Thanksgiving, she’ll be slow-cooking her signature beef barbacoa and making her special turkey and stuffing. She’s even dreaming of a vacation once she’s out of debt — perhaps to Mexico or a seafood buffet in Las Vegas.

HavenSafe’s support has been instrumental in helping Alatorre move from despair to hope. Her journey is a testament to the power of community and the importance of organizations like HavenSafe in providing a safety net for those facing hardship. “They say, ‘You are very strong,’” Alatorre said. “And I say, ‘I have to be.’”

We'd like to thank the San Francisco Chronicle for helping us highlight this case. If you’d like to help families like the Alatorres stay in their homes and rebuild their lives, consider supporting Havensafe. Together, we can make a difference.