Meet Forest Point Place Tenants!
“When individuals experiencing homelessness are welcomed back into the community, they regain a sense of belonging . . . Community reintegration benefits everyone. It creates safer, more connected neighborhoods, reduces the strain on emergency services, and supports economic growth by helping individuals regain employment and stability. Here at Forest Point Place, the community is at the heart of everything we do.” Shawnte Harvey, Forest Point Place Program Manager, shared this inspiring vision at Forest Point Place’s Grand Opening. View Shawnte’s full remarks here.
Community, like Shawnte said, is at the heart of everything we do at Forest Point Place. Keep reading to meet Mr. Fields, Shirley, and Donald, three of our Forest Point Place tenants!
Mr. Fields
Mr. Fields is looking forward to having housing for the rest of his life. He was surprised, and moved, to learn that his new apartment at Forest Point Place was a permanent solution to his experience of homelessness. Now that he has stable housing, he spends time cooking delicious meals and baking. He takes classes to keep his curious mind challenged, and he’s able to focus on his health. He wants to live a long life, like his mother, who is in her eighties. Watch Mr. Fields’ move-in day:
Shirley
Shirley recently moved into her first apartment. She says, “I’ve been through so much since I’ve been homeless. God’s still got me here for a reason. I’m not going to turn back for nobody. I’m going to keep my head up. And I pay my rent before I do anything else.” Getting used to apartment living is new for Shirley. To keep her mind settled, she wakes up early and takes long walks. She enjoys cleaning her apartment, taking hot baths, and joining in community activities. She also proved to be a caring neighbor when she babysat her neighbor’s dog so that he could go to an appointment. Watch Shirley’s move-in day:
Donald
Donald lived in various encampments around Charlotte for years. Over time, Harper, a member of Roof Above’s QT Street Outreach Team built a relationship with him. Donald is kind, enthusiastic, skilled, and determined. He talks about using scrap metal to build a structure for cooking over fire and making improvements at his campsite. Harper helped him with the significant task of getting a social security card, and getting another one when the first was stolen. She assisted him with doctor visits and checked in when he was healing from an injury. This winter, she also helped him secure housing. Watch Donald’s move-in day: