My first few weeks at Nest Community Shelter felt like a lot happened all at once, but really, it was a lot of hard work and partnership. I have been meeting daily with my case manager, and we’ve set up a solid plan to get me back on my feet. By my second week at Nest, I had a copy of all of my documents needed to rebuild my life, my birth certificate, and a new driver’s license. I was also able to see a doctor about my bad knee. I initially twisted it at work. I used to work in a warehouse, and I really liked the work; it paid well, too. When I twisted my knee, I couldn’t work, and that’s how I ended up living in my car.
I was able to visit the doctor, who said that I am pretty much healed, so I am cleared to go back to work. My old job was filled long ago, so now I have to find something else. Nest has helped me with my resume and showed me how to upload it to job websites so I can apply online. So much has changed since my first job, where you went in with your resume in hand and a handshake to get a job. Now it’s all online, it’s so different. I also set up an email address so I can write back employers. Once I got set up, I searched every day and applied for lots of things. I do have some certifications, so that should make me a decent candidate. The staff just keeps telling me that following up is key, and I remind myself of the same thing.
In my third week at Nest, the staff approached me and said that one of their temp-job partners had a warehouse job available. I still had to go for an interview, but finally, it was a chance at a job. We visited the clothing closet at one of the Nest partners, and I got a haircut, shave, and put on a tie for the first time in a few years. I really wanted to put my best foot forward. My Flight School instructor practiced my interview with me each night, so I felt ready. The night before the interview, I was so nervous I could barely sleep.
My new friend Dave, who is staying at the shelter too, was encouraging. I’ve met a lot of friendly people here, and it feels nice to have people cheering me on. I feel like they want me to succeed as much as I do. It’s been a long time since I’ve had anyone cheer me on.
The day of the job interview came, and I am so pleased to say that I got the job. It’s in a warehouse, and while it’s only a temp job, the foreman said most of the temps stay on if they’re good workers. That evening, I couldn’t wait to get back to the shelter and share the good news. The staff and volunteers were so excited for me, and so were some of the guys on the men’s floor at Nest.
Now that I had a job, the Nest staff helped me figure out what I needed for the job—a new set of steel-toe boots and my bus pass. I wanted to get my car out of the impound, but they helped me see that, for now, the bus pass will work while I save my money. When I got my first paycheck, they encouraged me to open a bank account. I have to admit I was a little leery about this, but my case manager explained how it would come in handy for renting a place of my own.
I’m a couple of days into my new job as I am finishing my third week at Nest. My case manager and Flight School instructor have spent a lot of time with me over the past few days in the evening to help me understand budgeting. I have so many things I want in my new place, and I finally feel like I can do this. I am still taking it one day at a time, but it feels like my life is coming back together. I am grateful to Nest that I have a place to live, and breakfast and dinner are covered for me each day.
If this is what I’ve accomplished in my first three weeks at Nest, I can only imagine where I’ll be in a few more weeks. I wish I would’ve reached out for help sooner, but at least I am here now. I am feeling like my life is finally starting to get back on track, and I am proud of myself for the first time in a long time. I’m also starting to make friends at Nest and out in the community. Very few people realize how isolating being unhoused can be. I am feeling like I have support behind me now, and that feels great.
– John
John’s story is a fictionalized account as part of a series of what it is like to experience Nest Community Shelter as a guest. While John’s story is fictional, we see stories like John’s everyday.
