Marion’s Story: Towards A New Beginning
Marion was unhoused for several years in Portland. When he was living outside, he was well known in the community for taking care of his neighbors and making sure his peers had the things they need. He built a community that takes care of each other and takes care of him.
Marion became a Do Good participant through our Downtown shelter.
“Going into the Downtown Shelter, I felt welcomed. They helpED me get everything I needed to work on myself. They got my EBT cash set up and all of my documents. I was able to tough it out for a little over a year at the shelter. “
His Do Good support team were able to move him into an apartment through the SHS Metro Bond, which guaranteed him two years of rental assistance as well as wraparound support through our Mobile Supportive Services Team.
“The best part of having my own place is that you can go and come as you please, you can go to the store, you can cook as you please. I like cooking salmon patties.”
“Do Good visits Marion weekly for conversation, strategy planning, food drop-offs, and an occasional haircut”
– Cody, MSS Housing Retention Specialist
Recently, Marion underwent an amputation surgery on his leg, and we worked together to secure a powered wheelchair with personalized handles to support his mobility and access.
:The next step is so that I can stand on my own and get my prosthetic. I'd like to get [back to my home state] one day. But in the meantime, I NEED to continue on.”
His two-year rental assistance ends soon, and Marion WILL RETAIN his permanent housing through his own income supported by an EHV voucher, and skills development through his time at Do Good.
He continues to build community with his friends living outside and maintaining a circle of trust and support.
