Tenant Story

“I went on to Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, NY. I graduated with a liberal arts degree and then I went on to St. Thomas Aquinas University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science, I majored in Psychology. Then I went on to get my combined Master's and Doctorate degrees in Psychology from Cal Southern University through an online program. During the time when I was completing my thesis, I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. This made it difficult for me to finish, although I did.

Within the year I was on medication and going to therapy regularly. I was also working before I got diagnosed. I was doing social work at an after-school program, at a domestic violence program, and as a mental health therapy aide for the state at one point.

I was living on my own before my diagnosis, but after I moved in with some family members so that I could save some money and feel better. Eventually, my family moved away, and I was stuck with the rent. I ended up in limbo with rent and ended up in a shelter.

I stayed in different shelters for 5 years. Some were night by night, some you had to take a number and wait until a spot opened up, like a deli. I tried to stay steady on my medication and stabilize. When I got stabilized, one shelter referred me here. I like it here because it's not a shared room, it's clean and it's my home. I can remember one time when I was so desperate to leave a shelter that I went to an available permanent SRO facility, but they were infested with roaches, my roommate was difficult to get along with and it just didn’t work out. Being here is a world of difference.

What I appreciate about being here is my independence. Having been in the shelters for so long, I know how difficult it can be. I enjoy spending my time how I want to, not just surviving. For example, today I will go and volunteer at the library and visit some family.” - Dr. Bonnie, St. Francis Friends of the Poor tenant

A place to rest your head at night is wonderful, but it means nothing without stability, safety, and a quality living environment. Dr. Bonnie found that she required not only permanent housing but also supports such as medical, personal, and financial, all of which are available to each of our tenants. No matter your journey through life, there is always a place to call home with St. Francis Friends of the Poor.