Terry's Story: "I really didn't think I'd make it"
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In this episode of the podcast “Out of the Streets of Portland”, we hear the story of Terry and Tiffany, a couple that lost their housing right at the beginning of the pandemic, and were faced with a medical emergency soon after that, when Tiffany contracted bacterial meningitis. She lost her ability to hear, and to walk more than a few steps without assistance. Terry became her full-time caregiver, while the couple lived in their van on the streets of Portland.
The podcast also discusses the support and resources provided by the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS) and the voter-passed Supportive Housing Services Measure, which has helped the couple find stable housing. It highlights the challenges the couple faced, the resources they utilized, and the support they received from local organizations and the Joint Office of Homeless Services.
Terry and Tiffany’s experience highlights the importance of existing resources and community support in transitioning from homelessness. “Pretty much Pat [Peace Lunch – located at Multnomah County Friends Meetinghouse in SE Portland] fed us every day for lunch,” Terry said, emphasizing the role of local support in their survival. “That’s where we would go. We lost our storage with 90% of our stuff in it. I really didn’t think I’d make it. I thought Tiffany would be in a nursing home and I’d be on the street.”
Terry also mentioned the challenges of navigating the system: “You gotta sign up and it’s a place for you to go, but you just gotta jump through their hoops. You can’t, you know, you gotta follow their rules.” Despite these hurdles, the couple managed to find temporary shelter and eventually permanent housing with the help of organizations like TPI and Central City Concern.
Finally, Terry expressed gratitude for the programs that made their transition possible: “Once you’re in the the couples shelter, that’s the next step, and it’s like, it’s all in one. You stay there and then they’re at the hotel and then they find you housing once you’re at the hotel, that’s when that process starts.” This underscores the structured and supportive nature of these programs in helping individuals and couples find stability.
Terry and Tiffany faced multiple challenges, including a medical emergency and the loss of their home, which strained their relationship and physical well-being. “It was so hard. She had bacterial meningitis, COVID, and then she had COVID again after she got out of the hospital,” Terry recounted. “I mean, it’s scary. It really is.”
He emphasized the need for ongoing support and resources to help individuals maintain their mental health and relationships: “They set us up for doctor’s appointments, all sorts of stuff. It was nice,” Terry added. “The resources are out there. You just gotta apply, and you gotta follow through.”
Despite the challenges, Terry’s persistence and the support of friends and local organizations played a crucial role in their eventual success. “We were there [at the motel shelter] for 3 months and then we got hooked up with Home Forward and now we’re here, in our own apartment”, Terry said. “It’s a godsend, it really is.”
Key takeaways:
– Terry and Tiffany faced homelessness due to a medical emergency, which is extremely common – 70% of people experiencing homelessness in our area have a disability or other health issues.
– The couple struggled to find safe parking spots for their van, dealing with issues of security and the challenge of finding safety on the streets.
– Local resources, such as food assistance and specific shelters for couples, were crucial in helping Terry and Tiffany navigate their situation.
– The Supportive Housing Services Measure, a 10-year program passed by Metro voters in 2020, has been instrumental in providing housing and support to chronically homeless households.
– The process of securing housing often involves multiple steps, including temporary shelters and hotel stays, before finding permanent supportive housing.
– Support from friends and family, while sometimes limited, can be a critical factor in overcoming homelessness.
– The importance of following through with plans and utilizing available resources is key to changing one’s life.