A Forever Home – James’ Story, Part 2
Lydia Resident & Service Spotlight. Written by Dylan Novacek, Content Specialist
“Telling my story was important in the healing process. If I didn’t get the chance to tell it, it’d just be buried in my mind,” James said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Now, I don’t think about the past as much. I think about me and my home. I think about how far I’ve come since moving to Lydia over 14 years ago.”
Reflecting on the long road he walked to get here, it’s hard for James to believe he’s been home for so long. Living in the same apartment since day one, his well-used recliner comfortably faces the television with a pad of paper, recording when his favorite shows are on. Although there is some dust on the floor, it serves as a reminder of the years of stability he has experienced. Celebrating his life at Lydia, James is proud to live in a supportive home with neighbors he loves and an onsite staff who cares deeply for him.
“Lydia is one big happy family,” James grinned. “This community means the world to me. Everyone here was homeless at one point in their life, just like me. There are a lot of people in need here. Since I moved in, one of my main goals has been to help as many people as I can no matter what!
“I always share my grocery deliveries with neighbors who don’t get out much, and I always make sure the building has a copy of the newspaper. If there is something I can’t help with, I go to the staff with it, and they’re very helpful.”
At Lydia, there is a shared understanding among the residents in the building. Although not everyone has the same exact experiences from being without a home, they all were once without the stability of home. Now sharing the same ground at Lydia, the community and staff here supports each other.
“It’s incredible and beautiful. The residents here foster a welcoming and diverse community,” exclaimed Brooke (pictured to the left of James), an onsite Case Manager from Avivo who plays a vital role in helping residents like James maintain their stability.
Brooke, along with Lydia’s Program Manager Lindsey (pictured to the right of James), help ensure that residents like James know they don’t have to walk alone anymore. At Avivo, their open-door policy means that residents always have access to the services they need to remain stably housed.
“This is the housing first model in action,” Lindsey asserted. “We bring residents into housing, and the support will follow. We’re here to help residents with their long-term recovery goals, or whatever they need. We meet our residents where they are at in order to best meet their needs.”
“Our roles here at Lydia can be best described in three words: Advocate, support, and resources,” Brooke explained. “The residents here welcome staff into their daily life. Basically, whatever someone needs in the moment, I’m there for them. Sometimes that means supporting someone when a loved one passes away. Sometimes it’s something fun like creating a poetry book or planning building events.”
Many residents describe Lydia as their forever home. This is largely thanks to the support they experience in the building. At Beacon, we have 11 buildings that offer onsite support services. It takes $1,000.00 a month from Beacon donors to pay for case management staff through our service providers across each of these supportive homes.
“Lydia has given me a safe place to call home. If they didn’t offer these specific types of services with onsite case management, then why would I live here? That’s why I love it here,” James smiled. “The staff helps me when I need it. One time, another resident and I even got to help pick new case managers to hire. I truly felt like part of the building!”
Forming close relationships with service staff, Lindsey and Brooke have seen firsthand how James positively impacts the Lydia community.
“James is so warm and approachable,” Lindsey shared. “He’s just so friendly with his ‘hellos’ every morning as he walks by my office. He’s so community centric. Seeing him be part of Lydia is a special thing to see.”
“At first glance he looks rough and tough,” Brooke added. “But I think that James is the only resident here who has expressed every emotion in front of me. Inside, he’s soft.”
“I am a big ol’ softie, aren’t I,” James laughed out loud. “I am just a happy-go-lucky guy. I am so thankful to say that my life is rich with support and joy. I just turned 60, but I feel like I am 35 or 40. Looking ahead, I plan on working on my health. The doctor said my lungs are improving and hopefully I can get off the oxygen tank in about a year.”
Looking back on the years, James is reminded of the hardships and roadblocks he once faced. There were times he’d try his best to find work and earn money, only to have his wages garnished, leaving him without enough to get by. At times it felt like he was stuck in a frustrating loop, unable to find stable footing. Although he has finally broken the cycle, too many individuals experience what James went through every single day.
“There is a voice and a person behind someone experiencing homelessness,” Lindsey stated.
“No matter where you’re at, you can get to a place you want to be with the right kind of support,” Brooke asserted. “It’s unfortunate and difficult for some people because the resources aren’t right in front of them.”
Soon, Lydia will be doubling in size in order to meet the needs of the growing affordable and supportive housing crisis. With 40 new homes currently in development, staff and residents are eager to welcome new neighbors to Lydia.
“I will welcome them in the best I can,” James beamed. “Lydia means stability for all of us. It’s a safe environment. My home means I that I don’t have to worry about getting kicked out. I love it here. Lydia is the place where I am comfortable and free to be myself.”
Read more about James in part one of his story.
Construction is underway at Lydia! We’re excited to add more units of affordable housing in the Twin Cities. Will you help us build more homes?
Currently, Beacon is working on creating about 48 homes at Bimosedaa, deeply affordable housing with culturally relevant on-site support tailored to members of the Native community who have moved out of homelessness. It takes a seed of $15,000 per home to make these homes a reality. Learn how you can support the creation of these homes and make a gift today.
