I’m grateful for every person that helped me

The story of homelessness is a difficult one to hear. It is filled with good people who have slipped through the cracks. People who were trying the best they could with what they had or what they were dealt. Often just a handup or handout away from moving forward in life.

Michael was one of those people struggling, falling through the cracks. Through all of it, he held tight. People around him reached out with kind friendship, donated materials, and opportunity. They held tight too. Three days ago Michael moved into housing!

The joy of this moment is overwhelming for him. Standing in his new apartment, holding his little dog Daisy, he said, “I can’t believe I am here, I really can’t. I am grateful for every person that helped me.”

Michael was homeless for just over five years. At first he couch-surfed but that quickly fell away and he moved into a tent. Not an easy decision for a man 6'-10" tall. Almost overnight his world became very small.  

Michael grew up in Aberdeen, WA. Basketball was his life. He dominated in High School. He had a 38" vertical leap and was able to touch the top of the backboard! After graduating he went to UNLV, played basketball there with guys that went on to the NBA. 

Graduating with an accounting degree he found a good paying accounting job. Two years later he was overtaken with anxiety, he discovered he couldn’t work in confined spaces. He quit and took a job driving concrete trucks, accepting a fraction of what he was making before. 

All was good. Then everything changed. A 25 lb aluminum block hit him in the head and put him in a week-long coma. He said, “I couldn't remember simple things for awhile, including work procedures, ultimately I lost my job. That was when I fell into homelessness.”

Almost immediately kind people reached out to Michael through the Facing Homelessness community. Tents, sleeping bags, clothes, food, and more were all donated to help him get through, especially during the winter months. Even more important to Michael were the friendships. Blair Jordan visited regularly, as did others, with warm food and conversation. 

At one point, when Michael was at a very low point, he learned that the area he had been staying was scheduled for a sweep. It was more than he could take. I made a post on the Facing Homelessness Facebook page asking if someone would allow Michael to pitch his tent in their backyard for several weeks, just to allow him to center himself. Unbelievably five households offered space in their yard. Michael selected Terry and Janis Kronlund's property in Auburn. They were amazing in their kindness and graciousness.

It allowed just enough time for Tomasz Biernacki to connect Michael to a tiny home at Camp Second Chance! This was another big moment for Michael in his journey out of homelessness. He once again had a roof, a door that locked, and a bed big enough for him to stretch his legs.

Michael lived in his tiny home for just over two years. Now, he lives in his own apartment. I wouldn’t be surprised if his 38” vertical leap has returned with him jumping for joy!!!

We want to surprise Michael with WELCOME HOME gifts. He is in need of the following items: couch 6’-0”, lazy-boy-recliner, rug 10’x15’, end tables, lamps, bed queen-size, bed sheets & pillows, dishes, pots & pans, silverware, and a blender! New or used as long as they are in good shape. If you can help please contact Rex 206-330-1142 to coordinate how best to get to Michael.

If you ever wonder, if you can make a difference in someone’s life, one that is struggling through homelessness, please know that a good many people, doing their own small part, were just what Michael needed to be back in housing. 

What we all do matters.