“I didn’t finish high school, but I’m in a GED program now, because I know I need education to do more with my life. I never could have done this without stable housing.”
Those are the words of Jasmine, a DOORWAYS client who found herself and her young son in a shelter off Martin Luther King Boulevard. “I had my little boy, lots on my mind, and was very stressed. I would forget to take my medication. I was at zero and needed to pull my life together.”
Her first step was to ask for help. Jasmine met with her case manager who provided referrals to essential resources, including housing through DOORWAYS! “Jasmine and her son moved into a two-bedroom apartment in our Residential Program in September 2020,” explained Samantha Donovan, director of the program that provides permanent housing for low-income people who are HIV positive and battling homelessness.
DOORWAYS’ staff work one-on-one with clients to help them settle in and begin securing the many resources available at DOORWAYS and within the community. “I took some cooking classes and a program to help me save money and build my credit that were offered right here where I live,” explained Jasmine, who is interested in gaining as much knowledge as she can. “The residential team has such good people. They are right here ready to help whenever I have questions,” smiled Jasmine, who is pictured above with her son, second child, and Maria Thomas (on the right), the DOORWAYS care coordinator.
Jasmine’s goal after completing her GED later this year is to get a job while studying to be a nurse, so she can start making money as she is learning. While she has a plan, she still needs resources. Childcare and transportation are creating the biggest hurdles, but she is grateful for what she has. “My babies are safe with a roof over their heads. I wake up every day and feel brand new with hope that I can get my life on track with my GED, so I can get a very good job for my future.”
“Jasmine is the reason we exist,” noted Pat Plumley, chief program officer, who explained the agency’s mission is to provide clients with the housing they need to create a foundation of stability from which they may manage their medical treatment plan, improve their health, and build a life with increased independence. “We are so impressed with her drive and determination. We are here to support her every step of the way.”
Our permanent housing program is funded through government grants from homeless programs and from Ryan White programs. Private grants provide clients with many supportive services, such as the self-development classes, play space for the children, a learning center, and special community programs.
If you would like to make a donation towards these activities, please contact the Director of Development at jtimmerberg@doorwayshousing.org or call 314-328-2705.
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