Khe-Sanh’s Story: “I’m turning my trauma into power” 

February 5, 2025

A broken collarbone hurts. But so does the betrayal by a loved one whose anger shattered a once-safe world.  

But as Khe-Sanh tells it, she is not a victim of domestic violence. She is a survivor who used her wits and her last dollar to board an Amtrak heading west—away from active danger and into an uncertain future for herself and her two small children.  

As she recounts her escape to the Bay Area, her voice falters as she remembers sleeping in buses and BART stations, alone and overwhelmed, until someone reached out to help.  

“It was in the San Francisco Tenderloin, and he said, ‘I know someone you should talk to,’ and that’s how I met Simmone at St. Anthony’s.” 

Simmone Hudson is a Program Coordinator with St. Anthony’s, and she moved quickly to secure vouchers for Khe-Sanh’s respite in a safe motel. Soon thereafter, Simmone called with news of an opening at a family shelter for women and children that promised safety, security and access to resources tailored to women struggling with homelessness and instability.   

Settled in and moving ahead 

With time to get her bearings, Khe-Sanh was introduced to a world of possibilities and support through St. Anthony’s, from trauma-informed case management and counseling to legal advocacy and childcare plus access to higher education or work. 

“So I went back to school,” says Khe-Sanh. Simmone found a way to help with the books she needed for her coursework in Humanities and Social Justice at SF City College, and together they mapped out a weekly schedule that covers her classes, childcare, transportation and studying. Long-term, she hopes to pursue a degree in forensic psychology where experience in both the legal system and human behavior can help her advocate for those most vulnerable, especially children.  

Khe-Sanh feels her experience is worth something and that maybe this is about “turning my trauma into power.” She says she feels hopeful and lighter these days; she didn’t fully realize the impact of the weight she was carrying. Recently, her youngest celebrated a birthday at the shelter. A lively 2-year-old, he was wide-eyed and thrilled when the other residents showed up to sing and celebrate. It was a moment of pure joy for guests, kids and staff, and Khe-Sanh is forever grateful to Simmone and everyone at St. Anthony’s who made that special day possible.  

With housing in such short supply, Khe Sanh tries to be patient as the search for a more permanent living situation continues. In the meantime, she’s grateful for the peace and sense of belonging she’s found at the shelter and predicts the future will unfold as it’s supposed to with Simmone and St. Anthony’s at her side.   

For many struggling without the safety of home or food in the pantry, loneliness and uncertainty are a daily reality. That’s why caring friends of St. Anthony’s step forward year-round to offer an extra helping hand. Our volunteers and donors make our mission possible, sharing time and treasure to provide nutritious food in the Dining Room, free clothing, recovery support and medical care. With time, guests at St. Anthony’s recover the hope, trust and strength necessary to exit homelessness and poverty and build a brighter future.  

“When I arrived in the Tenderloin, I had $160 in my pocket,” says Khe-Sanh. “I was scared, with two small children and no place to go. I was trying my best, but all I heard was ‘no.’ But Simmone said ‘yes.’ And St. Anthony’s said ‘yes’ and that changed everything for me. I wasn’t defeated; I was just beginning.” 

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