“I know that they see me, that I’m validated.” — Jeana’s Story
Jeana is a Seaside, Oregon native who traveled her way through chronic homelessness. She joined Do Good at our Barbur Motel Shelter, where she is currently working on her physical health to maintain housing.
This is her story written in her own words.
The first time I experienced houselessness was when I lost my house in Seaside in 2004.
I was able to sleep at my friend's apartment in Portland for a couple days until they kicked me out. I was sleeping outside behind dumpsters where my friend was living or sometimes inside a laundromat behind the washers, where management couldn’t see me. Those were my only two options because I was lost and knew nothing about Portland.
During those 6 months of homelessness, I would ask people to clean their bathrooms and apartments just to earn a night to sleep on their couches. But they were thinking that I was scamming them. I just needed one night of sleep, and I couldn’t get it anywhere.
It became a cycle. I was able to get a hold of a friend back in Seaside…met up with my husband…got a job as a Caregiver…then ended up homeless again. All alone.
I was connected with Do Good when I was staying in a severe weather shelter last winter. They opened the door and handed me a card and it was my key. I closed the door and knew I was finally safe.
I couldn’t believe that for the first time…I was safe.
At first it was so surreal. I woke up the next morning in a bed with clean sheets. To be able to have a fresh shower…I never had a shower for months.
This is a prime example of what a shelter should be. It’s not just about the rooms, we have privacy, protection, and friendships! Do Good goes above and beyond. How many shelters do you know have ping pong tables? And hosts BBQ’s once a month?
Now I can go to the chiropractor and have an MRI. I can walk better than I did before. My teeth are even getting fixed next week!
I didn’t want to be alive before…. but now I want to be alive now!
[The staff make] sure I know that they see me, that I’m validated, and that I deserve to be in this world. Right now, I’m working on getting a home. I’m trying to focus on standing on my own two feet. I’m working on reconnecting with my children. I’m working on my emotions.
My main next step is my health, so that when I get my own place, I can be healthy to maintain it!
