STORIES

Jojo’s Story

JoJo became a tenant of Florence House after living in both the emergency shelter and safe haven housing in the building.

“You have a place to go, you have people to talk to, you have the support of the staff. It’s a lot safer than being out in the streets… you’re really supported here.”

Coming from a physically and emotionally abusive family situation, she had not known stability or safety for much of her life, making the transition to independent living quarters more challenging. Florence House has offered JoJo a safe place to call home with the support she needed to overcome her painful past, get medical treatment, keep appointments, and take care of her body and mind.

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Erin’s Story

Erin’s Story On a beautiful, sunny day in May, Erin talks about her home with a bright smile on her face. “It’s so comforting to know you’re home. It’s your home. It’s just a sense of security you don’t have when you’re in the shelter.” Five years ago, Erin and her partner, Jackson, lost their

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Nick’s Story

Nickolas has an easy smile and an incredible self-awareness that seems uncommon among people in their mid to late twenties. Growing up, he lived with his siblings and his mother, who did her best to raise her children, but suffered from substance use disorder. After aging out of foster care at age 18, Nickolas experienced

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Dominick’s Story

Twenty-one-year-old Dominick is working day-by-day to build a better life for himself. A rap artist, he writes and performs songs about his experiences, hoping to ensure that Maine youth don’t feel as alone and unsupported as he did when he was younger.    “When I was fifteen, I was very angry and bitter. I was just

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