Listen to the podcast episode featuring Benita and her advocate Dustin

Benita’s journey: From homelessness to stability

Her life had been a series of daunting challenges that included domestic violence and addiction, but Benita’s journey from homelessness to stability is a testament to the power of determination and support. After losing her apartment and facing the dissolution of her support network, Benita found herself without a place to call home. The sense of isolation and despair was overwhelming, but she refused to give up.

One of the most significant turning points in Benita’s life was finding support from an organization that offered culturally sensitive services. The people at NARA NW understood the unique challenges faced by Native American individuals and provided a safe, supportive environment. The staff recognized the importance of cultural connection and respect, which made a world of difference for Benita. She felt seen and heard, and this sense of belonging was a crucial step in her journey towards recovery.

A dedicated housing advocate at NARA NW, Dustin, played a pivotal role in Benita’s transformation. He not only helped her secure stable housing but also gave her the assurance and support she needed to remain sober as a recovering addict while experiencing homelessness. The personalized support she received was tailored to her specific needs, recognizing that one-size-fits-all solutions are often inadequate. Through consistent guidance and unwavering support, Benita was able to rebuild her life. Her story highlights the profound impact of consistent, personalized support and underscores the importance of addressing the unique needs of Native American individuals.

Benita echoed the significance of having an advocate who could relate to her struggles. “Once I got connected to Dustin, he was just on it for me. He’s just been the best advocate I’ve ever had for helping with situations that are really this severe,” she said about Dustin. Benita’s journey from homelessness to permanent housing was marked by personal challenges, including a history of domestic violence and mental health issues. “Every time I needed something, he was right there. He would always take my phone calls, so he made it really easy for me to be homeless, you might say, and be in that situation,” she added.

Dustin, a housing specialist with NARA NW, pointed out that the assumption that homelessness is primarily driven by addiction is often misguided. “Probably 60% of the people that come to our offices looking for help are not experiencing drug addiction, and they’re experiencing abuse of some other sort. They’re experiencing financial hardship,” he said. Benita’s story is a poignant example of this complexity. “I ended up going into the hospital with a mental breakdown from all of the stress from [the racism and harassment she experienced at her apartment complex], and then after getting out of the hospital, that’s what got me into getting hooked up with NARA,” she explained, detailing the series of events that led to her homelessness, including racial profiling and domestic violence.

The power of advocacy: How support can change lives

Advocacy can be a powerful force, and in Benita’s case, it was the crucial lifeline that changed her life forever. After months of homelessness, Benita found herself in a seemingly endless cycle of uncertainty and struggle. It was during this time that she met a dedicated advocate who recognized the potential in her and the barriers she faced. This advocate not only provided emotional support but also helped Benita navigate the complex systems that often seem insurmountable to those in need.

The advocate played a pivotal role in helping Benita secure stable housing. This was no small feat, as the process involved navigating a web of bureaucratic hurdles and legal requirements. Dustin’s persistence and knowledge of the system were instrumental in breaking down these barriers. By connecting Benita with the right resources and programs, he worked to ensure that she had a safe and stable place to call home. This stability was the foundation upon which Benita could begin to rebuild her life.

Beyond securing housing, the advocate also helped Benita access a range of resources that empowered her to regain control of her life. These resources included job training, mental health services, and financial assistance. Each of these elements contributed to Benita’s overall well-being and her ability to move forward with confidence. The advocate’s support was not just a one-time intervention; it was a continuous process of guidance and encouragement that helped Benita overcome the obstacles she faced.

For Benita, a Black and Native American woman, the advocate’s cultural sensitivity was particularly important. Understanding the unique challenges and strengths of her community, the advocate ensured that Benita’s cultural identity was respected and integrated into the support she received. This holistic approach to advocacy not only addressed Benita’s immediate needs but also honored her heritage and the values that were important to her.

Cultural challenges: Navigating systems

Culturally responsive services can significantly enhance the effectiveness of support for marginalized communities. The Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA) was founded to provide a safe and culturally relevant space for Native Americans seeking help with substance abuse and other issues. “It started as a treatment center, when Buzz Nelson and some of his close friends decided that there needed to be a place for Native Americans to go to be able to heal from the disease of alcoholism, because at the time, Alcoholics Anonymous in Portland was pretty racist and they weren’t really too happy to see Natives coming into their white spaces trying to heal and recover,” Dustin explained. NARA’s approach to holistic care, which includes medical, dental, and mental health services, is rooted in Native American spirituality and values. “We really try to just treat the whole individual, as far as coming across people who are experiencing addiction and homelessness, I can honestly say that I was surprised myself about how many people come through the doors looking for services while they’re homeless, who are not affected by substance use disorder,” he added.

Helping people navigate the complex homelessness and housing systems as a Native American requires a deep understanding of cultural nuances. Native American communities face unique barriers to housing and stability, rooted in a history of systemic racism, genocide and historical trauma. For many people, a distrust of government services stems from generations of broken promises and policies that have disproportionately affected Native communities, leading to a deep-seated skepticism about government-funded institutions.

When advocates are equipped with a deep understanding of the cultural context, they can better tailor their support to meet the specific needs of the community. For Benita, having an advocate who understood her cultural background made a world of difference. It allowed her to feel heard and supported, which is crucial when navigating the often overwhelming and bureaucratic legal and social service systems.

Community-based organizations play a vital role in providing culturally relevant support, enhancing access to housing and other essential services. These organizations are often more attuned to the unique challenges faced by Native American communities and can offer a more holistic approach to assistance. They provide a bridge between the community and the broader systems, helping individuals like Benita to navigate the complexities with greater ease. By fostering strong connections within the community, these organizations also help to build a network of support that can be crucial for long-term stability and well-being.

Moving forward: Resources for those in need

Moving forward, there are resources available to help others facing similar challenges, and sharing Benita’s story is just the beginning. Organizations like the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest (NARA NW) are at the forefront of providing comprehensive support to individuals experiencing homelessness. NARA offers a range of services, including housing assistance, medical care, mental health support, and addiction recovery, all rooted in Native American spirituality and values. This holistic approach is crucial for addressing the multifaceted issues that often accompany homelessness. For Benita, a resident of the Francis and Claire Apartment building, the culturally responsive services provided by NARA were a lifeline. “I think a lot of agencies are just so overwhelming. If you get in and get to a good advocate, you’re lucky,” she said, highlighting the importance of personalized and empathetic support.

Local shelters and day centers also play a vital role in providing immediate support for basic needs. These organizations offer a temporary refuge for those in crisis, helping them stabilize before connecting them with more long-term solutions. Non-profits that specialize in legal advocacy are another critical resource. These advocates help people work through their barriers to housing (previous evictions or convictions, for example) that can often be daunting and overwhelming. Dustin, a housing specialist with NARA, shared his journey from being a BIPOC CHAT team member to a housing case manager. His personal experiences and empathy have been instrumental in connecting with clients and helping them secure stable housing. “My primary job was to assess individuals who came in looking for housing needs and then help them with document readiness and get prepared for housing,” he explained. His role evolved to include more case management, where he used his personal experiences to connect with clients on a deeper level.

Federal grants and tribal partnerships are also making significant strides in reducing Native American homelessness. These initiatives aim to provide more stable and culturally relevant housing options for community members. The Francis and Clare Apartment building, run by Catholic Charities of Oregon, is a prime example of such efforts, offering 61 units of affordable, permanent supportive housing. The building serves people experiencing or at risk of chronic homelessness, providing a safe and supportive environment for recovery and stability. Benita’s journey from homelessness to a permanent home at Francis and Clare is a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. It underscores the importance of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and comprehensive support in helping individuals rebuild their lives.