How Clifton’s Beacon home prepared him for the next chapter
The Beacon community first met Clifton in the winter of 2020. At that time, he had been in his home at Nicollet Square for just over six months after experiencing homelessness at the age of 18.
Describing himself as an individual of curious ways, Clifton is an artist with a unique vision. During his time as a resident of Nicollet Square, he was able to actualize his vision through the support he received in his Beacon home.
Over the years, Clifton has shared his journey with us through several articles, videos, speeches, and more. As he prepared to move out of his Beacon home, Clifton shared, in his own words, what this experience has meant to him.
From the first day I moved in on May 30, 2019, to my very last day on May 30, 2023, my time at Nicollet Square has been so worthwhile and eye-opening. There have been so many doors opened for me, new friends made, loss, and new lessons learned. All within four years in a confined space of my own.
As I pack my things and look at this empty apartment, I feel thankful for how Nicollet Square prepared me for this next chapter of my life. Today, I stand as a more sustainable and responsible adult.
Pictured: Clifton’s empty apartment at Nicollet Square.
One of the greatest lessons I learned here was how to grow without even knowing it. Living here was like being part of an ecosystem where I could grow and thrive. I’ve learned to never say that I can’t do something but instead grow past the things that held me back.
I also learned that nothing lasts forever. I’ve grown, and I am ready to get out there. My girlfriend and I just got our first apartment to raise our daughter in.
As I prepare for the next chapter of my life, it’s all about my daughter and taking care of my family. I am stepping into my role as a father and taking the family road.
Being a new dad, I’ve learned so much about myself. Really, it’s taking it day by day. Someone is calling my name every few seconds now. It really feels like there is so much more to life.
Pictured: Clifton with his daughter and partner.
I want to make sure my daughter never has to think about adult stuff. I just want to keep her a kid for as long as I can. And thanks to what I learned from my time at Nicollet Square, I can do that.
Nicollet Square kept me grounded and gave me the leeway to be comfortable and not stressed about where I was going to live. The services and the affordability were a huge help as I saved and built myself up to find my new, market-rate apartment. Our new home is $1,750 a month, which is a big change from what I was paying at Nicollet Square. But I know that this is my responsibility.
I find myself wondering: If Nicollet Square hadn’t been so affordable and supportive, would I even be ready for this moment?
Youth supportive housing is like a stopgap for young people who are experiencing instability or homelessness. For me, it was a place where I could find stable ground to put myself together and set myself up for the rest of my life so homelessness didn’t happen again.
There were so many times when I could have been on the street. But this home and the support it offered me was God sent. Having these opportunities right outside the front door helped so much.
Pictured: Clifton walking through his neighborhood outside of Nicollet Square.
This neighborhood was so great, and we were right on the bus line. There is retail space downstairs, including Butter Bakery, where a lot of my friends and neighbors work.
Every morning, I’d come down to Butter Bakery for breakfast. They know my exact order by heart.
The week before I moved into our new place, I came down to get my usual and just sat with myself for a good two hours. I confirmed to myself that I am ready for what comes next. It’s been four years, and I’ve taken so many opportunities and made this time worthwhile. Now it’s time to give this space and these opportunities to someone else.
As I packed my things into my car, I looked up at the building with the bittersweet thought that I don’t live here anymore. I drove eight minutes to downtown and our new home.
We’re still working on moving in, so the place is a little empty right now. Mostly, it’s been an open space for my daughter to run around and be her own character. It’s funny because Nicollet Square once was my space to be my own character. Now, I get the chance to offer a space like that to my own daughter. It’s a proud moment. Not a lot of kids have a chance to grow up in a place of their own.
From a new parent’s perspective, I can’t put into words how important safe and stable housing is for families. I can’t put into words how important a home is for everybody. It’s the most essential thing.
I will miss Nicollet Square. From waking up in the morning and going down to Butter Bakery for breakfast, being with the case workers who understood me so well, all the opportunities I had, and the people I met along the way. I just want to applaud all the case workers, property managers, and supporters for everything they did for me over the years.
It was the first apartment I ever had. It was the heartfelt acceptance I didn’t have before. It was a place where I knew I didn’t have to worry about what was before me. I could move freely and had the space to grow up. A first home like this is special. Now, I get the chance to be in a place without a subsidy.
These four years went by fast. I wish I could do one more. But it’s time to pass this home on to someone else. More stories will be told out of my old apartment. And the more we tell our stories, the more we get heard.
At Beacon, we know that stability, security, and health start with having a safe, affordable place to call home.
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