Life was super rough before Community Action. I was homeless for four years. I had a couple suicide attempts. I was living outside in the snow. My daughter stayed with me but went to her mom’s house at night.
I was trying to find an apartment, but I’m covered in tattoos. People see me and judge me right away. They think I’m going to be a problem. I paid over $500 in application fees but never got a call back. I had to stop applying for apartments because I needed the money. I got a call one day from Community Action saying I was accepted into Rapid Rehousing. I had given up. I told them to help another family that needs it. I just couldn’t do it anymore.
Community Action stuck by my side. They didn’t look at me like I was trash. They saw that I have good inside of me. One day, my case manager called me to tell me about a place in Edgerton. I told them, “I don’t need to check it out, I’ll take it!”
Having a place to live has helped me a lot more than you’d think. My depression has started to go away. You don’t expect people to help you the way Community Action helped me. They brought me furniture, brand new beds, a dresser, they even got food for me. Deep down, I would have never been able to do this on my own.
I know I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Community Action. It’s hard to get back on your feet when you’re balled up in the backseat of your car. Community Action gave me a chance to prove that I won’t let anyone down. My daughter’s happy, so I’m happy.
This is the best gift I’ve got in my life.