Steve’s* Story
Steve enrolled in the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program in January 2013. He had been homeless outside and in shelters for two years. Steve is a veteran who served in the Army during the Gulf War. On top of having many serious physical health issues, Steve was also experiencing depression and anxiety, which were becoming more acute due to his chronic homelessness. One of Steve’s passions is painting, which he finds very therapeutic. Unfortunately, his state of homelessness prevented him from creating his art. He had limited supplies, which were often stolen, and no safe place to keep his art.
He moved in to his new home the following month and he loves his new apartment. He keeps it clean, has his privacy, and a safe place to create his art. He quickly got back into painting and just recently showed his pieces in Downtown Bellingham’s monthly gallery Art Walk. He has since been invited to participate regularly in the Art Walk. A few months after Steve moved into his own apartment he was approved for Supplemental Income (SSI) benefits and was able to take over his own rental payments.
*Name changed to protect his anonymity.
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