Supportive housing inspires community at Lydia
Written by Dylan Novacek, Content Specialist
Lydia is where residents who’ve experienced homelessness can heal. It’s where they can focus on their mental and physical health, feel safe in a community they love, and thrive with the support they need. For many residents, Lydia is a forever home.
These were just some of the sentiments shared at ‘Neighbor Narratives’, a special building event where residents were invited to share their stories with each other and reflect on the impact of their homes.
“This building is like a library. Behind each door is a story,” shared Ray, a resident who has called Lydia home for over 16 years. “We need more homes like this because everyone’s story is unique, and everyone’s story deserves to be heard.”
Opened in 2003 as Beacon’s first deeply affordable and supportive homes, Lydia has over two decades of stories to tell. Before Lydia, the shape of Minnesota’s housing landscape was a lot different, with even fewer options for those experiencing homelessness to be sheltered. Since then, Beacon has gone on to operate a portfolio of 21 buildings, as well as an expansion at Lydia that saw it grow from 40 to 80 apartments.
“With the expansion, our library of stories has gotten a lot bigger,” Ray continued. “Together as residents of Lydia, we value community building, welcoming others, and care.”
(Pictured: Lydia resident Ray.)
The residents who attended the ‘Neighbor Narratives’ event showed welcoming and care as they listened to each other’s stories.
One resident opened up about the hard week they were having and noted how having onsite services from Avivo in the building made things easier. Another told a story about how their physical health improved since coming to Lydia in 2020 after experiencing homelessness and COVID-19.
Some residents even brought their pets and talked about how having an animal to care for helps improve their mental health. Listening to each other intently, many were quick to offer ways to help one another.
(Pictured: A Lydia resident with his dog.)
In addition to these meaningful conversations, residents were invited to contribute to a ‘storytelling wall’ where they could share parts of their story for the community to read.
At Lydia, the residents have built a strong community based on mutual respect, care, and understanding. Whether they’ve been here since day one, five years, or a week, everyone is treated with unconditional positive regard. This type of community building helps take Lydia from being just an apartment to a home residents are proud to live in.
(Pictured left: Two Lydia residents at the Neighbor Narratives event).
“Everyone here has experienced homelessness or instability at one point or another,” Ray concluded. “Here, we can depend on each other. You learn the responsibility of just helping out. To me, Lydia represents a home that strengthens and unites everyone.”
You can help sustain the community at homes like Lydia. Click here to make a gift today.
