El Cajon man arrested 17 times against odds, job program graduate – NBC 7 San Diego

Robert Santiaguin’s path to graduation was unconventional, to say the least.

Since 2019, he has been arrested at least 17 times for crimes including illegal confinement, drug trafficking and municipal code violations.

“Every day we go out and offer resources,” Officer Bellwood of the El Cajon Police Department told NBC 7. “And I would say every day we get shot down.”

Santiaguin didn’t want their help at first either.

“I just got tired,” Santiaguin said. “You get cold and wet when it rains. I lost my things. My property was stolen and I was robbed and mugged at night.

“One morning a cop arrested me and gave me a ticket, and I yelled at the cop and said, ‘Well, help me.’ I mean, put me in a program.’”

Santiaguin was able to find spots in two programs: Home Start’s temporary housing and Second Chance job readiness training.

“He said yes after so many nos and didn’t give up,” said Karina Hernandez, director of Home Start’s housing program. “That made us not give up. That’s what made us stand behind him.”

After wearing a suit and tie every day and taking public transportation to and from his program, Santiaguin graduated in April. Then he moved into his own studio apartment.

“I cried tears of joy, you know?” Santiaguin said. “I’m glad that I actually have something that I can call home and not have to worry about losing it or, you know, someone stealing it from me or getting tickets. I feel warm at night.”

Santiaguin tells his friends who still live on the streets: When real help knocks on the door, you should answer.

“I wanted to do it, so I did it,” Santiaguin said. “I thank God for that every day.”

Next, Santiaguin needs to get a job. He is applying for construction jobs and is interested in operating heavy equipment.