An Anthology of Short Stories written by Haven Housing Residents
Story #1
I met a girl named Renee. This girl was all over the place. When I say she was lost, she was lost. This girl had been living from place to place with friends, boyfriend, parents, siblings, everyone. But it was just something off about her. When I say off I mean off. She was depressed, anxious, up and down, and just never happy. I don’t think she’s ever been happy so I asked her one day “what’s wrong?” She couldn’t tell me, because she didn’t know. So one day I took her to the lake and we sat and talked. She told me she knew she needed help, she told me how she was in a crazy home, how she always had to fight, and how she always had to protect her kids at all times.
Yes, she had two kids to be exact. So she continued to tell me she had bad thoughts because she was so stressed, or overwhelmed, or depressed most of the time and that it was really starting to take over. I stayed still just staring and listening to her for 5 hours straight. I hugged her and told her it’ll be over, but in my head, I didn’t know if it would. And I felt bad for her kids, all of it. So this lady walks up and starts talking to us.
She told us about a place that really was a safe haven and they could help her and listen and they weren’t judgmental. So Renee decided to go and she was nervous and scared but they reassured her that she would be okay. And she was and she is.
They told her about all these things and information she needed and promised it was okay and they didn’t lie.
I talked to Renee the next week and she was doing a bit better than she was before. She went to St. Anne’s place. I told her that they can help you find shelter and make sure your kids are okay and help the demons you’re fighting, just speak up. And she did. She said staff were amazing, but this one girl was so sweet and helpful. Her name was Natalie. I know this place will help and she doesn’t need to be afraid or helpless anymore. I believe in her and so did they!
Hakuna Matata
Story #2
Shelter; when hearing that makes me feel sad because usually you hear all the negatives. Safe haven sounds a bit more comforting. Safe haven smells like freshly brewed coffee every morning. Sounds like a busy day in and out. Looks bright and in every corner, there's someone to talk to. I can call this place home.
I won't sugar coat and say I’m always happy because this is just a temporary home and realistically who wants to live in a shelter? Safe haven; you have staff who are understanding and they show you that they care about your family's well being. I come from a dysfunctional family where everything I wanted to do I couldn't. I wasn't able to be myself but in this safe place I can be me. All I ever wanted to do was be nothing but my best self and I express that very well here.
Haven Housing plays a big role in my life with everything they do—room checks keeping me in order for when I get my own place, the expectations I should have when moving out. The daily/weekly check-ins remind me that there's someone who cares to check on my mental health or just someone to talk to for fun. Haven Housing; you can never feel alone. While being here you're also rewarded for being you and participating, even having a good attitude. SAP $$$ [St. Anne’s Place dollars] are given out to you and your little one(s).
In both the mother and children’s store, everything is cheap from 1-5 SAP $$$. This is the real Five Below store, you have all your needs. Anything from books, trucks, dolls, and more for the kids. They will enjoy their time shopping. Mothers can get almost anything from hair ties, flat irons, purses, and so much more. I promise you won’t regret shopping here.
Something to remember is if they don't have something you want just ask the staff. They understand you and want you to feel comfortable. Safe haven is small enough for everyone to call each other family. Hakuna Matata (no worries) at least while you're here. Thank you, safe haven, my family appreciates you.
Story #3
What is a safe haven to me? Haven Housing is a safe haven for me. Coming from such a rough background. An inconsistent childhood, abusive relationships, fighting with my addictions, mental health and sobriety. My struggle with being homeless and not being able to hold down a job. This has all sent me through a world of disgust in myself. I never knew how to think positive of myself.
I didn’t truly understand the term, “self care”. I never knew that there was a place that could even start to help me get it together, even when I wasn’t sure if I wanted to get it together. But Haven Housing became that place. It created a space for me to feel safe, to feel valued and to focus on stabilizing and creating the life I have only dreamed about living. The support from staff and peers makes days that are hard so much easier. And it sure makes the good days worth all the hard work I put in to better myself. Every day is a new day for me. Some days I wake up and just want to quit and give up on everything and everyone, including myself.
Other days I am ready for the world and hoping they are ready for me.
I can’t thank this program enough for reminding me that I am worthy and that I can live a good, clean and safe life in the future. It takes time and I would say to never give up on yourself, even when you are at your highest doubts, don’t give up.
Image Description: Our Journey: Come Walk With Us, An Anthology of Short Anonymous Stories from Haven Housing Residents as designed by the authors and editors. Dark blue text on a lime green background, printed in all capital letters. Text of stories above.