Joyce’s Story of Hope

Joyce is an artist who experienced job loss, and after exhausting most of her savings, realized she would no longer be able to afford her rent. She came to Do Good through our Arbor Lodge shelter, where she stayed in one of the individual pod shelters. Working with our Mobile Supportive Services Team, Joyce re-secured permanent housing relatively quickly through the Rapid Rehousing funds provided by Oregon Metro and the Supportive Housing Services bond.

This is her story, written in her own words.

When I went homeless, I did not expect to find myself in front of a Do Good shelter. But when I was directed there, I knew that I was going to be okay. I had access to a bed to sleep on, a bathroom, and clean water, and the luxury of coffee and donuts. Soon, I was transferred to Arbor Lodge to live in one of the pods, where I had my own space with lights, heat, and outlets. What a blessing to even have the meals that were served. I was immediately signed up for housing and put on the waitlist - which came in after about 5 months of staying at the shelter. Thinking about it now makes me so grateful! After being housed, I wanted to just rest. Take time to ease my mind and do my best to get myself back into society. So I took some training that was offered through Work Source. I had access to Do Good [mental health care] with Ms. Sherrilynn and every time I felt like my life was changing for the better. I was fortunate to have saved a number of videos I made in my past. When I watched them I was reminded that I’ve encountered miracles in my life before - I just forgot. I also was able to see how far I’ve come and was glad to have the support.

To see how many miracles I was given in my life helped me overcome the stress I had with being able to find work and my path forward during this transition.

I was wondering if I was going to make it, and it gave me anxiety. I don’t want to be homeless again! Somehow, seeing these old videos helped me process what I was feeling about adjusting myself back into society. It gave me hope. In my videos, I was doing things I really loved at the time. One of those things was drawing and painting. As of right now, I am focused on finding work and saving my money. But I would love to take a big step into creating. This journey has helped me feel like I have a future to look forward, even if I don’t fully know what is going to happen. Do Good was my last known and biggest miracle! I am so grateful to have what I have! No telling what is in store next!

Lastly, this is what I want to share with others: Hope.