Homeless Isn't Hopeless!
Many people think that Homeless means Hopeless. The following true stories are living proof that they are not the same and that good things can happen with a little help.
David and Pauline Blake followed a dream that eventually led them from their home in Jamaica to Madison. As David worked toward the goal of cooking in his own restaurant, they started a family. But as the family grew, his wages did not. Pauline’s father, a Madison resident, encouraged them to move to Madison where restaurant work wasn’t so seasonal. They did. Both found full-time work, yet still needed help finding housing they could afford. Through Transitional Housing, Inc, they received a Section 8 voucher for housing. David’s dream soon came true, too. David’s Jamaican Cuisine has grown steadily for the past couple of years, and now the couple both work in the restaurant.
Shirley Norman and her eight-month-old son came to the YWCA shelter last January after being homeless and having no place to go. Her son had many health issues, which made it difficult for her to work or finish school. She applied for and was accepted into the YWCA Third St. housing program. Shirley did complete high school, then a pharmacy technician certification program and got a job in the field. She’s taking classes through UW and was recently accepted into the YWCA Certified Nursing Assistant class — a prerequisite for nursing. Shirley’s son is thriving and healthy due to her persistent efforts with the medical community and her ability to provide him with a safe, stable and affordable place to live..
Liza Lightfoot - One night 25 years ago, my husband and I started arguing about an issue long forgotten. I don’t know why, but that night I knew this was the end of five years of monthly explosive incidents that always ended with me being beaten and him feeling ashamed. A friend had told me about a shelter and gave me the number, which I kept it in my wallet. That night I called and they sent someone to pick me up. I shared a room with many other women who were alone, lost, and in profound pain. We all needed each other. The counselors linked me to a psychotherapist, and helped me find an apartment. The strength I gained through that experience has seen me through trials in business and personally. Today, I own Avant Gardening.
Jody Glynn Patrick - My mother became pregnant before finishing high school. Her housing was transitional — she moved from friend to friend, and from one rented room to another. At 19, she had another baby, and her financial situation became even more precarious. She worked hard and eventually bought a little house. Unfortunately, the day came when she could no longer even afford that. She packed a paper bag for each of us, with our few clothes, but there was really no place to go. I remember us all huddling for warmth in her bed that night and crying. My greatest fear was that it was our last night together forever. With the help of a Salvation Army church, my mother was able to keep our house. Today, I am the publisher of In Business magazine.
