For the two years that he experienced homelessness, 67-year-old George had to carry all his belongings on his back. A friend who had been connected to an apartment through the Preble Street Rapid Re-Housing program suggested George reach out.
“I was feeling really discouraged, but after I got in touch with Rapid Re-Housing, they got me into an apartment so fast! I called and that opened the door for me to get help from Haley [RRH caseworker, pictured here with George] to get me started and get me motivated and going in the right direction. She helped me figure out what I needed to do to get a place.”
After three months working with the Rapid Re-Housing team, George moved into his Portland apartment in August 2021. No longer facing the stress and uncertainty of living on the streets, he focuses on the beautiful parts of life. He enjoys spending sunny days feeding the ducks at the park and spends time at home watching cooking shows and Celtics games. One of his favorite pastimes is preparing elaborate, tasty meals, something he missed when he didn’t have a home.
“I learned to cook watching my mom and dad. I think I was seven when mom started teaching me how to cook. Now that’s what I do, if I’m stressed or just want to relax, I love cooking.”
Safe and happy in his home, George is hoping to welcome a new roommate in 2022: a puppy.
