How Jom’s Beacon home helps him positively influence his community
Written by Dylan Novacek, Content Specialist.
“At first, I felt anxious about letting people know what I went through. I didn’t want to tell my story until I got stable. Now I feel like this is the time for me to inspire others and help people who are going through what I experienced.”
Whether it be producing music, speaking on a podcast, or spreading resources and positivity to his community members, Jom strives to be an influencer. For him, this means spreading positivity and hope in any way and on any platform he can. Even when he found himself without a roof over his head, Jom always went out of his way to make sure his peers were uplifted and connected to housing resources. Now, with a home of his own at Lydia, deeply affordable housing from Beacon, and onsite services provided by Avivo, Jom can more effectively impact his community while being stably housed himself.
“It’s so easy to give up, especially when you’re homeless,” Jom stated. “But, if you can show somebody a different perspective, that this is not their whole life and only a temporary setback, you can change things for them. That’s what I try to do for others, both online and in my community. I’ve been trying to help people even before I had a place to call my own. I am all about getting people connected to housing.
“I want to use my platform to spread awareness that we have programs out there and that places like Lydia exist. But awareness is just half the battle.”
Facing challenges and finding hope
Jom describes his time without a home as a series of loops and cycles. Often, he felt caught up in a repetitive pattern of incarceration, short-term shelter, and being back on the streets. This is a cycle that’s felt by too many individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, especially by those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
According to research published in 2021 by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Black, Latino, and Native American people are disproportionately likely to experience housing insecurity and homelessness due to a long history of racist housing policies and racial discrimination that has limited their economic opportunities. Due to this systemic injustice, too many individuals are locked out of finding housing and resources.
“A lot of homeless individuals get taken advantage of. Growing up and going through that, you see a lot of things that make you lose trust in people. It can be so traumatizing,” Jom expressed, taking a beat and reflecting on the long road he walked to get to Lydia. “It was so hard to save money and pull myself out of this, especially when everything sets you back. A one-night hotel stay could be just $60. Even that was too big of a price tag.”
According to the 2018 Minnesota Homeless Study by the Wilder Foundation, 77% of homeless adults have had multiple experiences with homelessness, much like Jom. Many of those 77% began experiencing repeated homelessness at an early age. Of those surveyed, nearly half reported that they had lost their homes due to financial hardships.
With homes like Lydia, residents who have experienced multiple occurrences of housing instability not only receive a home they can afford, but resources and tools that help them thrive in their life.
Finding support and stability at Lydia
“I know that Lydia is my domain now. I’ve been here for about a year, and it’s amazing. I have my own four walls, and I know this is my space. There is support all around me. It’s an amazing blessing. I feel like God put me here to remind me of all the possibilities I have before me.”
Spending his days recording and producing music, going on podcasts, and connecting his community to much-needed resources, Jom feels free to spread his message of positivity and advocacy. Additionally, Jom is making sure he gives himself the same kind of care he shows others.
“I’ve spent so much of my time worrying about everyone else around me. But my caseworkers are teaching me so much about self-care,” Jom smiled, breathing out a sigh of relief. “The case workers here are amazing. It’s hard to open up to someone about this stuff, and this is the only place I feel comfortable doing that. I tell them how I am feeling, and they listen and understand. I feel so balanced now.”
For Jom, his favorite part about his Beacon home is how it gives him the space to continue helping his community.
“The other morning, I got up at 5 a.m. and made a whole bunch of hotdogs to pass out to people on the street,” he exclaimed. “I just hope I can motivate others.
“I was on the bus recently, and I ran into someone I had recognized. I had helped him a while back, and there was such a change in him. It was like night and day. He told me he was thankful I helped him find a place and that watching my content online is what helped motivate him. Watching me speak about my experience and seeing me spread positivity pushed him forward. I was shocked! This wouldn’t have happened without me.”
Advocating for more homes and resources
Jom knows the importance of having the right resources at the right time and is eager to continue raising his voice for the creation of more homes like Lydia.
“These buildings are changing people’s lives and adding community value,” he insisted. “It’s not just a program people go through. It’s a stepping-stone to the start of my new life! This goes far beyond the dollars donated. Homes like Lydia are a game changer!”
Thriving in a community he loves, Jom is grateful for his Beacon home. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue growing his influence online as he creates music, shares his story, and stands up for the creation of transformational homes.
“I got a rebirth and a second chance at life. I am just so happy to be here. Every day, I am learning and growing. Most importantly, I am just so happy to be involved in something that produces positivity.”
Jom believes in the importance of helping his community. Will you join him in advocating for our shared vision that all people have a home? Click here to learn how you can get involved.
