Gia Dattel is a Millbrae caregiver and former HIP Housing Home Sharing client, who participated in the program for almost two decades. She sat down with us recently to discuss her experiences with the program and the unexpected friendship that blossomed as a result!


Born and raised in San Francisco, Gia moved to San Mateo County in the early 2000s to look after her elderly parents. In 2006 she was referred to HIP Housing by her social worker at the time.

Gia had just been awarded her Social Security disability case, after several years of fighting in court, and was looking for a safe, affordable place to call home.

“My goal for a roommate was between the ages of 45 and 65,” Gia said.

“You’re more settled and mature in the way you handle your life by then… Because of my disabilities I stayed home a lot—unless I was caregiving for one of my parents or myself. So, I needed a very stress-free home to come to everyday.”

 

 

 

 

Above: Gia Dattel (left) and Joyce (right)

Through HIP Housing’s Home Sharing Program, Gia was matched with an elderly woman in Millbrae and moved into their shared apartment soon after. However, in 2007, when her roommate became ill and had to move out, Gia took over the lease. It took some time to find a new roommate who was the perfect fit. However, by working alongside HIP Housing’s Home Sharing Program Coordinators, Gia was able to find not only a new roommate, but a true friend.

“In June 2010, I interviewed with Joyce and we hit it off,” Gia said.

“We’re both from San Francisco, we both take care of people and we just saw the world the same way. On July 1st she moved in and she stayed for 10 years.”

As they were both caregivers, Gia and Joyce looked out for one another and soon became friends. They would often spend time visiting each other’s families or simply hanging out.

“All of her friends became my friends, which was nice. And all of my friends became hers. So we created our own little community,” Gia said.

In October of 2020, Joyce passed away. Gia recalls this as a very difficult time, particularly as her grief was intertwined with the challenges of caregiving and living with immunosuppression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thankfully, Gia remains close with Joyce’s family and friends. She looks back fondly at their time together and continues to recommend HIP Housing’s Home Sharing Program to others.

“I hoped that once I got a roommate that they would want to stay for as long as possible. Definitely. I didn’t expect a beautiful friendship out of all of it! But I’m glad that I did have a beautiful relationship with Joyce,” she said.

 

 

Above: Gia, Joyce and their friends

 

Debra Smith, a HIP Housing Senior Home Sharing Coordinator who just celebrated her 22nd work anniversary, remembers when Gia first joined the Home Sharing Program.

“We have quite a few clients who have been with us long-term. Some of them for twenty-plus years!” she said.

“Gia and Joyce certainly aren’t the only friends who met through HIP… When a match hits it off like that, it’s fantastic! But we always check in on clients too, make sure they’re happy with their roommate and everything’s going well.”

Above: Joyce, her grandson and Gia

Although Gia enjoys her peaceful lifestyle in Millbrae, now that Joyce and both her parents have passed, she will likely move back to San Francisco. However, she intends to come back often to attend HIP Housing events, such as our annual luncheon, and the Home Sharing Program remains close to her heart.

“I’m putting together my last will and testament… And one of the legacy gifts that I’m leaving is to HIP, because they’ve done so much good for me over the last, almost, 20 years.”

“[HIP Housing] represents to me, the part of my life where, without them, I would have ended up homeless.”

“HIP Housing provides a service that is unmatched. To me, HIP Housing is an organization that is needed in more than just San Mateo County, it’s needed all over.”