Stories
UPDATES: Time moves on and so do the lives of our guests at the center.
Instead of new people to highlight, we've decided to share updates on the
stories we currently have posted.
Meet AS
She visits the CDDC daily. Last year, she was homeless and spent many nights outside.
When the women's shelter,
Room At The Inn, opened in November 2016, she was able to find
shelter for five months. In addition to shelter she found case management resulting in a
search for housing. For many months, it seemed there was no long-term solution.
She tried several housing options that didn't work well. Throughout the challenging months,
she found the CDDC to be an oasis of safety and hope. She volunteered to help at the CDDC
with computer check-ins once week and she met regularly with her case manager at the center.
Eventually, a promising housing arrangement was found. She continues to help at the
drop-in center, and at this season's
Room At The Inn she helps serve food and
then leaves to walk a few blocks to her new home.
July, 2017 update:
AS continues to have stable housing.
While her husband was in prison, they faithfully communicated.
His release was a happy day!
Unfortunately, however, her housing cannot accept him.
So, each morning at the center we get to see their joyful reunions.
Finding housing together that they can afford in Corvallis is unlikely.
Meet WC
He visits the CDDC daily. Last year he was homeless and spent the winter at the men's
cold weather shelter. He demonstrated an easy-going temperament and an ability to
diffuse potential conflict situations... so, he was invited to become the resident
supervisor at
Partner's Place. At the CDDC, he also shares his calming
presence by welcoming guests to his table where an engaging card game is always
to be found.
July, 2017 update:
At this time, WC continues to have a constant presence at the center
where he engages guests to join him at the card table.
He is no longer at Partners Place. His life is in transition as
he is getting married on August 21st (yep, the day of the eclipse).
Meet DN
Upon release from prison she found herself without a viable plan for housing.
In order to maintain the vision for a better future, she knew that she needed to
connect to something solid. Fortunately, she has several faithful support people
who continue to hold her up and provide a safety net. Currently, the women's shelter
will provide safe housing for five months. During that time, her support people will
work hard to establish a winning case for SSI which she truly deserves.
In the meantime, she is finding meaningful work and encouragement from volunteers
at the CDDC.
July, 2017 update:
DN has stable housing. She acquired a housing voucher at about
the same time that a friend passed away, and was able to obtain
the friend's apartment. She is still hoping to obtain SSI, but for
the moment she is safely housed. DN also enjoys the company of her
old dog and a new puppy.