Resources in the Community That Made a Difference

An Interview with B.J.

Some of the resources which I’ve used during my homelessness, and after I was no longer homeless, are On the Rise, the Multi-Service Center, HomeStart, and the Community Food Pantries.

On The Rise is the number one resource—I used On The Rise quite often and still use them. They’re an excellent source of support for you when you’re needing someone to comfort you, or you’re needing someone to uplift you, or you need some information, or you need someone to advocate for you. They’re good for clothing resources. They’re also good if you’re needing vitamins, or just health aids. It’s also a good place to get a healthy meal and a good place to come if you’re needing a place to rest, take a nap, take a shower, or get some outside resources like therapy, or health care. On The Rise is good if you just need some support in everyday life things: children, custody, visitation, trying to get an apartment, trying to get Section 8 housing, trying to get into a shelter, trying to get out of a shelter, furniture…all kinds of things. I just thank God for On the Rise.

Another resource I’ve used and still use is the Multi-Service Center. They’re a good place to make phone calls on the spur of the moment if you don’t have any money or change—you can use the phone for about 10 minutes. That was a very good resource for me while I was in a shelter. I was able to have contact with my family early in the morning after leaving the shelter, to check back in with them because I didn’t have a cell phone. I’d call my dad in the morning, and also my brother, so they were able to know that I got through the night and that I was OK. If I needed anything, it was early enough in the morning—8:30—so they could help me if they needed to. The Multi-Service Center also helps with resumes when you are ready and stable enough to look for a job or continue your career, or start your career, or whatever. They’re very helpful with resumes, cover letters, and stuff. That’s very useful because a lot of places here charge you. So, if you don’t have a lot of money or you don’t have any money at all, and you’ve never had a resume, the Multi-Service Center will put one together that will show your strengths, even if you don’t have a degree. They’ll also help you once you get into housing or a room or with getting money together for security deposits, furniture, or other things.

I also continue using the Community Food Pantries. If you’re getting a disability check or you just have limited money if you’re homeless, or if even if you’re not homeless, they’re good resources for getting healthy food. They help when you’re short on money—when you’re in a tight bind and have to make a little stretch a long way.

HomeStart is also good. They’re housing advocates that help you while you’re in a shelter and they also help once you get into either a rooming house or your own apartment. They will vouch for you, act as advocates for you, help you get furniture, help if you’re having problems in your current living situation with management or tenants. They really go to bat for you.