A Giving Tuesday Tenant Tale
In Their Own Words
A story of one of our tenants finding hope and independence
A story of one of our tenants finding hope and independence
Kevin
Kevin in his office surrounded by his art.
Almost 6 years ago in Frederick, Kevin discovered a fresh start at Main Street Housing, leaving behind a living situation that was hindering his desire to grow more independent. This move marked a pivotal moment in his life, offering both freedom and a supportive community.
Before Main Street Housing, Kevin was in a living situation that was restrictive and made him feel like a child. “I felt like I had to escape,” he said when describing his previous housing “I was under supervision much of the time, and it was very hard to be independent like that.” He heard about Main Street Housing from a friend who had successfully gone through the application process. Excited for the opportunity to shape his life on his terms, Kevin applied, and a year later he moved into one of the Fredrick properties.
At first, adjusting to independent living was a bit difficult for Kevin, but the supportive staff at Main Street Housing made it possible. “They treat me like an equal,” he said when asked about how it is to work with staff, “If there’s a problem, they let you know … they try to help you improve.” The respect and support of the staff has created an environment where Kevin can embrace independence.
Before Main Street Housing, Kevin was in a living situation that was restrictive and made him feel like a child. “I felt like I had to escape,” he said when describing his previous housing “I was under supervision much of the time, and it was very hard to be independent like that.” He heard about Main Street Housing from a friend who had successfully gone through the application process. Excited for the opportunity to shape his life on his terms, Kevin applied, and a year later he moved into one of the Fredrick properties.
At first, adjusting to independent living was a bit difficult for Kevin, but the supportive staff at Main Street Housing made it possible. “They treat me like an equal,” he said when asked about how it is to work with staff, “If there’s a problem, they let you know … they try to help you improve.” The respect and support of the staff has created an environment where Kevin can embrace independence.
"It's empowering to know that I can be independent."
Main Street Housing not only provided Kevin with a stable home but also a place for his creativity to flourish while building strong community bonds. He is a talented writer who has several articles and poems published and is a prolific artist with his walls covered in drawings and paintings. The stability of a place to call home allows him to be more active in his community. Since moving in, Kevin regularly goes to the library to play Scrabble with two long-time friends and is now the leader of his virtual weekly journaling group which he has been attending for 16 years.
Since moving to Main Street Housing, Kevin's mental health has significantly improved. "It makes me feel stable. There's less stress, and I have a place where I feel safe and can deal with it—a place that can comfort my mental illness," he reflected. Kevin's story underscores the transformative effect of Main Street Housing, where individuals with psychiatric disabilities find support, independence, and a sense of community, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
P.S. If you ever get the chance to meet Kevin, be sure to ask about his sleight of hand magic, you will not be disappointed!
Interviewed November 2023
Since moving to Main Street Housing, Kevin's mental health has significantly improved. "It makes me feel stable. There's less stress, and I have a place where I feel safe and can deal with it—a place that can comfort my mental illness," he reflected. Kevin's story underscores the transformative effect of Main Street Housing, where individuals with psychiatric disabilities find support, independence, and a sense of community, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
P.S. If you ever get the chance to meet Kevin, be sure to ask about his sleight of hand magic, you will not be disappointed!
Interviewed November 2023
As we celebrate the success stories of individuals like Kevin, whose life has been positively transformed by Main Street Housing, we invite you to join us in commemorating our 25th anniversary by making a meaningful contribution.
Your donation of $25.25 on this Giving Tuesday will help us continue our mission of providing homes to individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
Together, let's ensure that Main Street Housing can create more success stories and impact lives for another 25 years and beyond!
Your donation of $25.25 on this Giving Tuesday will help us continue our mission of providing homes to individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
Together, let's ensure that Main Street Housing can create more success stories and impact lives for another 25 years and beyond!