*Name and Photo Changed for Privacy
Building Bridges
Sam* felt worried, disconnected, and directionless. Unhoused for the first time, Sam found himself without a strong network of support, and didn’t know how or where to start building towards stability. Looking for answers, Sam came to our Refresh program at First United Methodist Church.
Uncertain at first, Sam slowly began to form connections and build bridges - between himself and others, between challenges and solutions, and from disconnection to community. As our team continues to provide support and work towards the goal of safe, stable housing, they’re encouraged to see Sam develop relationships with friends who have faced similar challenges, and finally have people in his corner.
The Road To Recovery
Meet Chris! Chris began working with our team in 2018 after moving here from California. He regularly uses our Community Kitchen and Refresh Programs, but what really keeps him coming back is the human connection and opportunity to share about his achievements with peers.
After 47 years of drinking, he woke up one day and decided he was ready for a change. Since then, he has started attending our recovery meetings, and has appreciated the support and acknowledgement of his hard work. We're proud to see Chris take his recovery day-by-day, and glad that our team can provide a community of belief and support.
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Safe, Stable Housing
New to the area, Terry* reached out to our team. After experiencing homelessness in another city, Terry was dedicated to finding a home. Working together, step-by-step, Terry and our team navigated the complex web of resources that could help him find safe, stable housing. Connecting with a recovery coach, then our partners at Community Mental Health, then securing a housing choice voucher, Terry remained determined to reach his goals.
After all his hard work, Terry moved into housing last month! Now, he’s connected with our Financial Wellness team, and learning the skills and tools he needs to achieve his financial goals and work towards long term stability.
Community Collaboration
Last month, our Outreach team hosted our first Mobile Secretary of State Office (Mobile SOS) with our partners at First United Methodist Church! Provided by the Secretary of State of Michigan, the Mobile SOS provides almost all of the services of a brick-and-mortar secretary of state, but with the flexibility to operate out of locations that are more accessible for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
As a host organization, our team helped guests understand services available, sign up for appointments, and complete paperwork required to waive the service fee! Our team was glad to help cover the cost of IDs and licenses for our guests - items that are critical in finding employment, housing, and accessing other essential services. In total, 15+ guests were able to access a range of services, and saved $134 in fees!
Breaking Down Barriers
In partnership with Community Mental Health, we added a Recovery Coach, Joy, to our Outreach Team in 2022 - a targeted approach to help remove barriers for guests as they work towards stability. Already, we’re seeing the impact of deep relationship building, and are able to provide specialized support and greater connection to mental health resources.
Joy recently met with another local recovery coach, Angela (name changed for privacy) who was formerly unhoused and living in the area. Angela shared that Community Action House gave her respect, dignity, and was a welcoming source of help for her and her children, during a time that she felt undeserving of support. Because of Action House, Angela said that she began to believe in herself and her ability to “do hard things and accomplish goals.” After sharing her story with Joy, Angela gave her a big hug, and shared that she “could not have made it, if it wasn’t for Community Action House.”
Everyone deserves a safe home, good food, and a community that believes in them. Stories like Angela’s are why we’re here - and it's only possible because of neighbors like you!
