Our Transitional Housing

Working in the Transitional Housing Program over the last six years has been a challenging and heart-warming chapter in my life, both as a social worker and  a compassionate fellow citizen of Seattle.  I have shared the experiences and journey of many homeless men and women with HIV/AIDS as they have faced struggles with mental health and drug issues, confronted loneliness, developed independent living skills and moved onward to self-sufficiency in permanent housing.  Many understand, as they are going through the program, how living in a communal environment promotes understanding, tolerance, flexibility, the strengthening of problem-solving skills and  the confidence that, armed with a strong personal support network, a well-lived life is possible.  Some realize only upon leaving, that there really was a purpose for the expectations and activities that are a part of our housing program.  I’d like to share a few resident experiences and comments, with fictitious names for anonymity, so you can get a glimpse of this transformative process.

Henry spent nearly two years in our Transitional Program and was unhappy with the independent living arrangements offered at the end of his stay.  He was known to complain about our program rules and tended to get into conflicts with new residents.  He struggled with mood issues and was often critical of his providers, believing that they were not helping him enough.  Before we knew him, Henry had a prominent career in the healthcare field, one with meaning and purpose.  Now, all that was gone and he had to reassemble a life from all he had lost….Henry has stayed in touch with our program staff and shared his story with our current residents at a recent dinner gathering.…Here are his words from an email sent to me last fall…

    “……  Although I know I was a pain in the butt, please know that your unwavering regard for your vocation and your dedication to your organizations ethic, made it possible for me to survive the worst days of my life and come through with renewed hope, and refashioned ideals to see me forward.  I am saying ‘thank you’ to those who have influenced my life….”

Jorge, a housing resident born in Mexico, recently moved into an apartment of his own, something he never expected in his wildest dreams.  He completed our two year program and received an extension to remain with us because another housing option couldn’t be located due to his undocumented status and recent loss of his part-time job.   A religious man, he was overjoyed at hearing about an available apartment and declared it was miracle from God!  He had often said to staff –“I love you guys!”  But now we were hearing this every time we saw him!  Even though he now has a permanent place to live, he continues to be challenged economically and lives a long bus ride away from his primary support networks.  He has asked to stay in touch with us and we very glad to remain a part of his life.

Another resident in our program, one in our recovery house, often expresses his gratitude for housing and our support services.  Joe spent time in prison and has now written a book about his life growing up in East L.A.  He entered our program when he became homeless after his long-time friend and roommate died.   Joe calls us “good people.”