Chris Kuebler

Lattie’s Rise From Rock Bottom

Lattie Morwood is a survivor of domestic violence and homelessness, and she describes her life before joining TrueNorth Community Services as “rough.” After a divorce and the loss of her long-term partner, she later became involved with someone abusive. 

Isolated from her family in Florida and fearing for her safety as well as her children’s, Lattie endured physical abuse and ultimately found herself living in a shelter. While she was there, her abuser threatened her with disturbing photos of her daughter, prompting her to make the heartbreaking decision to send her daughter to live with her brother in Michigan for safety. 

Seeking a fresh start, Lattie moved to Arkansas, but her abuser tracked her down and held her captive in her home for three days until her uncle intervened. The trauma and abuse took a significant toll on her health, eventually leading to a diagnosis of epilepsy, which caused stress-induced seizures and contributed to her homelessness. 

Later, Lattie moved to Michigan to stay with her son, but her pride prevented her from asking for help. She worked two jobs to make ends meet, but her seizures recurred, leaving her unemployed and living in her car. In September 2023, Lattie met Amy, a case manager at TrueNorth. By August 2024, she began working with Jackie, her current case manager. Lattie said, “This is when I gained hope, as housing was located. She worked with my disability when no one else would.”

Today, Lattie lives in stable housing and is working towards building a better life. “I enjoy living in my apartment, but my hope is to one day move into my own home,” she expresses. Her children encouraged her to share her story, telling her; “It took bravery to get out of where I was.” 

Lisa Reinecke, the Homeless Solutions Director at TrueNorth, states, “Homelessness isn’t limited to a stereotype. It can happen to anyone, at any time.” TrueNorth Community Services’ Housing Resource Center helps individuals and families in Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties find safe, affordable housing. If you or someone you know is facing a housing crisis, please call (877) 446-8730.

 

 

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