Impact

Rae

Abby's House, Worcester

Born and raised in Leicester, 23-year-old Rae has struggled with severe clinical depression from a young age, and the family conflict she experienced had her longing for her own space. To make that a reality, Rae's case worker at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) suggested she apply to Abby's House, a non-profit organization that provides shelter and affordable housing, as well as advocacy and support services, to homeless and low-income women. In November 2019, Rae moved into her new, fully-furnished room and began working with Meghan McLeod, Director of Supportive Services at Abby's House. Meghan helps Rae identify personal and professional goals for herself and the tools she needs to achieve them. "Just knowing that I have that support network has helped my mental health a lot," Rae explained.

Rae shares more about how housing has helped to improve her mental health.

Rae, a certified peer specialist, now dedicates much of her time to working and volunteering in the mental health field with youth and young adults. She also loves spending time at the Annette Rafferty Women’s Empowerment Center at Abby's House, where she plays bingo, writes slam poetry, talks to other residents, and does arts and crafts like knitting and jewelry-making. Now that she has her own space, she’s also more physically active and enjoys cooking healthy meals for herself.

Meghan McLeod (of Abby's House) reflects on how Rae is an integral part of the Abby’s House community.

Rae's goals for the future include getting her own apartment, going back to school to become a teacher, and having her own family and cat. In the meantime, she relishes her new freedom and independence, which she says would not have been possible if she hadn’t moved into Abby's House.

Rae talks about how she's gained confidence and independence through her new housing.

Jean

Harbor Lafayette, Salem

Born in Burundi, Jean, 23, experienced family tensions as a teenager living in New York, which led to his father recommending that he stay with friends in Maine. However, things didn't work out, and while Jean was employed at the time, he was only 17 and therefore too young to apply for his own apartment. With nowhere else to turn, Jean stayed in a shelter for about a month. Jean explained that staying at shelter was difficult, but he was grateful to have a warm place to sleep. "I just wish nobody would have to go to the shelter," he stated.

Jean found himself getting into trouble frequently and was arrested several times. He also ended up dropping out of high school. After moving to Massachusetts and staying at another shelter in Peabody, Jean moved to Ipswich where he discovered YouthBuild and worked as a line cook. It was there that Jean learned about the available housing at Harbor Crossing, and he moved into his new apartment in April 2019.

Jean recalls his feelings of gratitude after moving in.

Now, Jean has his own space, and his own kitchen to prepare meals. "That's already good enough for me," he explained. He has regular meetings with Youth Services Coordinator Hannah Anselmo, whose office is in the same building. She assists Jean with job applications, transportation costs for court dates, making trips to the supermarket, and more.

Jean continues to work at YouthBuild and dreams of finding a career path where he can make a difference in people's lives. He's passionate about music and produces and records his own songs, and also enjoys playing soccer in his downtime. Jean feels confident that he'll have the support he needs once it's time for him to transition out of this housing. Grateful for his new home, Jean states, "This is a place where people get a second chance."

Jean reflects on the significance of his new home.

Michelle

Herring Brook, Norwell

Michelle^* grew up in Massachusetts and had a successful career as a fashion designer. In 2005, her health quickly declined after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). "Getting this sick so fast was a total shock," she explained. She maintained her job as long as she could before her illness - which affects her speech, eating, and mobility – eventually prohibited her from working. "When I lost my job, that's when I lost everything else," Michelle said. Unfortunately, that also meant losing her home.

Due to severe allergies, Michelle wasn't able to stay in shelters, so she couch surfed with friends and slept in her car. At the same time, she was a patient at Brigham and Women's Hospital, where she attended therapy three times a week to relearn how to talk and write. She had a host of medications that she had to keep refrigerated, but without a fridge to store them, she had to be resourceful. When possible, Michelle would keep her medications with friends; otherwise, she would get ice from the store and keep her medications in her car. She also has a strict diet due to her health needs, and she found it incredibly difficult not having a place to cook for herself. But ultimately, Michelle felt unsafe and vulnerable living in her car - terrified of what might happen if she had an MS episode while by herself.

Michelle and Evelyn Redshaw (of Metro West CD) talk about the challenges of staying safe and healthy during this time.

Two and a half years ago, Michelle met Evelyn Redshaw of Metro West CDC, who helped her with many housing applications. In September 2019, she became eligible for senior housing at Herring Brook Hill.

Though we spoke with her just a week after moving in, Michelle has already noticed a huge difference in her safety and quality of life. She is thrilled to finally have a bed again, as well as a kitchen to cook in and a dedicated place to store her medication. Evelyn has watched her grow stronger and happier, and Michelle is able to do more of the things she loves. She's working on gaining enough strength to teach rug hooking, a passion of hers, again, and she has a stationary bike to keep her active. Michelle is thrilled to have friends nearby and is already more social than before.

Michelle talks about how her life has changed before and after being placed into housing.

Michelle handed over a piece of paper with words that helped her get through those difficult two and a half years: "Hope is the heart beat of the soul." Now, Michelle has more than just hope - she has a home again.

^*Name changed to maintain confidentiality

Valeria

Gladys Darosa, mother of Valeria Silva, HMLP

24-year-old Valeria and her parents, Gladys Darosa and Daniel Silva, learned about the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) after receiving an informational letter from a program marketing effort. Valeria, who has lived in Fitchburg with her parents since she was 3, has Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility. However, their house isn't accessible - which made everything from entering the home to using the kitchen cabinets to showering either challenging or impossible without her parents' help. Longing for greater independence, Valeria looked into options with the local housing authorities, but she discovered there was a five-year waiting list for accessible units. Once she and her mother learned about HMLP, they knew they'd found their solution: an unused former garage that was connected to the house, which one of Valeria's friends had previously pointed out had great potential, could be converted into an accessible living space just for her.

Valeria shares the challenges of living in a non-accessible home.

The Darosa/Silva family worked closely with Lovette Chislom from the HMLP regional provider RCAP Solutions Financial Services to create a studio apartment with an accessible bathroom and entrance. The loan covered the full cost of modifications, and the entire construction process was done in six months. Last September, Valeria moved into her own space for the first time. Before the modification, she struggled with depression and spent most of her time in her bedroom. Now, she feels more comfortable, safe, and happy.

Valeria is currently attending online college at the Southern New Hampshire University, with dreams of becoming a young adult writer. This modification has allowed Valeria to become more independent while still having her parents nearby when she needs support. "This was the best decision we made," Gladys beamed.

Gladys Darosa (Valeria’s mother) talks about the difference this modification has made in the family’s life.