TNLisaDaniellMichelle’s Vibrant Future with Stable Housing Secured
“It’s not a lack of ambition or a lack of effort. Calling and saying I’m homeless…that was a huge step,” says Michelle, a participant in TrueNorth’s Housing Resource Center, about the challenges she faced while experiencing homelessness. “That was one of the hardest things about going to TrueNorth–I didn’t want people looking at me as homeless because of the stereotype.”
Stories of people like Michelle illustrate the importance of Homeless Awareness Month. Many in our community experience similar challenges as Michelle and need a hand-up to live and thrive.
Not only did Michelle experience financial difficulties, her living conditions put both her health and safety at risk. One of the greatest challenges Michelle faced was not having access to water. Michelle’s Home Health Aide had to bring in water and help Michelle heat it so she could perform basic necessities such as bathe and clean.
Before coming to TrueNorth, Michelle lived in a fifth-wheel trailer, that was unsuitable for living, for three years. She faced a number of health-related obstacles and was living on a fixed income, making it challenging to make ends meet. Michelle says, “I knew there was no way I could ever pay rent and bills and car insurance on my income. It’ll never ever happen.”
Winters were especially difficult due to inefficient heating and the trailer’s dangerous, icy steps. There were even times when the trailer’s windows and door had frost on the inside. “But with my health, the steps, the cold in the winter, to try and heat it, honestly you’re not meant to live in it. There’s not a lot of insulation in the walls,” recounts Michelle about the unsafe living conditions in her trailer.
When Michelle came to TrueNorth for help, she was afraid to call because of the negative stereotypes surrounding those who experience homelessness: “People stereotype homelessness without a doubt,” says Michelle. “Just because I was homeless doesn’t mean I’m a bad person, that I was a drug addict, that I didn’t care, that I didn’t try, that I was doing things with money that I shouldn’t.”
Thankfully, Michelle did call TrueNorth and received the encouragement and guidance she needed to move forward on her path to self-sufficiency. Michelle’s hard work and determination led her to find safe housing with support from TrueNorth. Now, being housed for over a year, Michelle can focus on her health and overall well-being.
Michelle cares deeply for her community and has started volunteering since being housed. She currently volunteers at the Oceana County Department of Veterans Affairs office, Hart VFW Auxiliary #1329, and is Senior Vice President of District 12 Auxiliary. Having secure housing has allowed Michelle to follow her passions and give back to the community she now calls home.
“To be able to get into a place where I can maintain my bills, my car insurance, you know be able to go to my appointments, it’s life-changing,” reflects Michelle on the impact having safe housing has had on her.
You can ensure people like Michelle receive the guidance and support necessary to improve their lives. Whether you donate, volunteer, advocate or help in any way you can, you can be confident you are impacting lives for a lifetime.