Meet Alexiel (they/them), a new resident of one of our BLOCK homes. They’ve given us permission to share their story with our community so you can see the power of your support.
Alexiel first heard about Facing Homelessness while in therapy at Sound Health.
“At the time I was living in a dilapidated, rat infested camper with my partner. We had been there for over 3 years, not for lack of trying. We did everything we could to find a place to live after being forced to leave our previous home. Even trying to rent from extended stay motels, but that became far too expensive.
We were lucky enough to have a backyard to keep the camper in, something most in our situation could only dream of. So in some aspects, we felt lucky. As you can imagine, however, it was wearing thin on our mental health. At one point I even attempted suicide, but luckily survived.”
We wish that Alexiel’s story was rare, but it’s not. It’s incredibly common for people living unhoused to go through extraordinary mental health challenges. How could it not be, when many people living housed pretend not to even notice they exist? Or react with judgment and avoidance?
Your support of Facing Homelessness creates a chance for people living unhoused to have safe human connection. For them to receive love instead of judgment. And even a chance for them to have a home of their own. Alexiel said:
“When I was given the opportunity to be a part of the BLOCK Program, I jumped. It has been life changing for both myself and my partner. In getting my own place, he was able to find a place very soon after!
While I am still wrapping my mind around everything that has happened, one thing I know is how thankful I am to each and every member of the team. They came together to give myself and the other program residents the chance to live and feel human again. Because of this, I have had the opportunity to re-evaluate my life and to become the “real” version of myself. Something I can never say “Thank you!” enough for.
I would like anyone who is considering donating, or helping to build one of the tiny homes, to really know how transformative it is for a person. It truly means life or death to have a home, in one way or another.”
With gratitude,
The Facing Homelessness team