A Stepping Stone & A Place to Call Home
Mr. Wilkes is serious, persistent, and driven. He was looking for a fresh start after an important relationship ended. He utilized the Lucille Giles Center emergency shelter, and worked with Danielle, a housing navigator at the Day Services Center. Together, Mr. Wilkes and Danielle obtained all the documents he needed for housing. They got his his NC ID, his Social Security award letter, and his Medicaid.
Mr. Wilkes is dedicated to his sobriety, which motivated him in his search for housing. When a spot opened at McCreesh Place, a substance-free shared housing program by community partner Supportive Housing Communities, it felt like the perfect spot for Mr. Wilkes. When he moved in, Mr. Wilkes reflected, “this is great.” He is particularly excited to have his own space after being in the emergency shelter. Mr. Wilkes plans to use McCreesh place as a stepping stone before moving into his own apartment, but on his move-in day, he remarked that “well, maybe I will stay here a little bit longer.” At McCreesh Place, Mr. Wilkes will be able to learn better coping strategies and habits. He can also pick up hobbies and work towards employment to increase his income. Mr. Wilkes’ ultimate dream is to buy his own home.
The path to housing looks different for every neighbor. For some, permanent supportive housing is their forever home, where they are surrounded by the care and stability they need find housing stability. For others, like Mr. Wilkes, housing programs give them a stable base to jump off as they work toward other goals. Mr. Wilkes’ housing journey is just beginning, and we are excited to see where his story leads!