MY EXPERIENCE WITH SUPPORTIVE HOUSING

I had no idea how important supportive housing was until I became a Board member at Houselink Community Homes. For years I have lived with family on my own and/or with my daughter, but I never realized how necessary supportive housing was until I needed it.

I joined Houselink in 1998. That was 10 years ago and I immediately got a job as a community kitchen cook. I worked for them for two years but then quit to go back to school and came back again for another couple of years when I could not find a job and knew they would give me a second chance. I came back a third time to become their new relief Kitchen Facilitator and this is where I plan to stay. I have participated in different program meetings and have been to numerous social recreation programs. I even went on a Boundless Adventure in summer of 2003, which was most gratifying, as well as numerous camping trips. In 2004, I joined the Houselink Board of Directors where I have had an active voice in running the organization and have gained considerable insight into supportive housing.

I left my partner in 2004 because I realized that he was abusing me and now I have problems with relationships. I can't seem to find Mr. Right because Mr. Wrong keeps picking me. Now this abuse had gone on for over a year and it was becoming unbearable. I needed to move into a community with people so I applied to Houselink because I knew Houselink accepted psychiatric survivors and I had been diagnosed at the tender age of 18 with schizophrenia. Back then I saw visions and heard voices. Now all I see is Oral Roberts on Vision T.V. When I was 18 I was hit by a hockey ball on the side of my head and I had a severe concussion but just slept it off and did nothing about it. Ten days later I went to my first high school dance, where I was given a drugged coke and I immediately lost my mind. Eventually I was hospitalized and labeled. But years later when I needed supportive housing, Houselink was right there for me when I needed them, If not for Houselink I would have gone to the shelter but Houselink was there for me. Supportive housing is essential for people who need it and serving on the Board of Houselink for the last four years, I have witnessed the wonderful stories of people thriving in this community of sharing, friendship and love. Houselink is a place where people can call home and that always feels very good. Everyone needs a place they can call home.

Although I live in a Co-op, I have my supports in place so I can thrive not just survive. Houselink supports its live-in members and non-resident members like myself in other supportive ways, such as the Social Recreation Program, the Community Kitchens, and other innovative activities. If not for these programs I would never have made so many wonderful friends and I am especially grateful to Houselink for that.

Everyone needs supports, whether from family, or friends or people of faith or community members or professionals. This is what makes us thrive.
So, advocate for Supportive Housing because we definitely need more of it.