SUSIE UPDATE – From homeless to homebody
One year-ago Susie (not her real name) was homeless. Now she is a homebody.
In January 2018 she was filling out forms at a local social services agency. She had recently been booted from her home when her landlord decided to take back the property. With no financial safety net, she lived outdoors and was ticketed for “illegal lodging”.
A local developer and “good Samaritan” read her story in the newspaper and forged a friendly relationship. She took Susie into her home for a period of time. She helped Susie apply to get an apartment in one of the developer’s complexes.
Ultimately, Susie was employed at the complex as a maintenance worker. After starting part-time, she works full-time with another staff member to satisfy all the maintenance needs of the facility.
Susie recently adopted a couple of cats, who have complete run of her place.
Susie stated, “I love it here, just love it, love it, love it. I love the people here, just everything. Especially after being homeless, this is an appreciation most people don’t know. I’m living now. I was just alive back then. You have to experience being alive or existing compared to living to know what it’s like.”
While Susie has good relationships with the residents at the apartments, she prefers the company of her cats to much socialization.
Susie has also improved her relationships with family in recent months. She is full of hope that things will continue to get better.
Susie is grateful for the help but has never forgotten the assistance she received from the local social services agency. She misses the employees at the agency in particular the ones who tried so hard to find her a place to live.
Homelessness is never easy. For those who are homeless due to economic reasons, the system can be very difficult. Most programs focused on needs for families with children, those with mental issues and for veterans.
While Susie is in her mid-60s, she plans to work until she can’t walk anymore.
It’s great to see the random act of kindness generate such a positive outcome. A real, cool story.