Eric's story
'It's like my life is brand new'
Eric struggled with alcoholism most of his adult life, and was in and out of homelessness for years. Things became even harder when he developed a physical disability that left him unable to work.
“Nobody wants to live out on the street,” Eric said. “At age 57, with all my health problems, that’s no way to live. I got into drinking a lot, because I was depressed. I’ve been through a lot.”
Now, thanks to a pilot program from the Joint Office of Homeless Services and provider East County Housing, Eric and his dog, Miss T., are housed and stable. Eric is receiving the healthcare and recovery support services that he needs.
FUSE program helps Eric back into housing
Eric was helped with the Frequent Users System Engagement (FUSE) program, which is focused on people who frequently cycle through the homeless services, legal and healthcare systems. With the FUSE pilot, the Joint Office is using SHS funds to support people like Eric, who have complex needs and are best served with supportive housing.
The pilot resulted from a 2018 analysis done by the Joint Office along with several healthcare, housing and public safety organizations. The analysis found that when “frequent users” of emergency health and criminal justice systems are provided supportive housing, it leads to fewer crisis responses, jail bookings and public costs.
‘Stable housing is the most important thing’
“A stable housing environment is the most important thing to having a healthy lifestyle. That alone can bring about such a dramatic improvement,” said Darek Taylor, Eric’s case manager.
Taylor worked with Eric every step of the way, from clearing barriers to housing, to finding an apartment that would be a good fit, to applying for a lease, to working with the landlord to ensure the application would be accepted.
“Coming in here [to FUSE] has changed my life a thousand percent. It’s been such an uplifting experience,” Eric said. “I love my house. I love my neighbors. It’s like my life is brand new.”
Hear more of Eric's story
Eric is featured in Season 2, Episode 8 of Out of the Streets of Portland, the Joint Office’s podcast.