“If I’ve learned anything in recent years, it’s that you can’t ever give up. There is hope. If you really want it, you can achieve it.”
In 2015 Jennifer had a stroke, causing a loss of vision in her right eye and a number of other complications. As it became more difficult to find steady work, the 
healthcare bills were piling up. In less than a year, she and her husband found themselves too underwater to make her rent.
For five years, the couple lived on the streets of Downtown Chicago, often finding themselves under one of the many streets covered by the El Line or an overpass. It was hard to trust many people while so vulnerable, but the two had each other.
“Obviously it was hard, but people really don’t understand what you go through,” Jennifer said. “It can get so scary out there, and there is not place to go to feel safe.”
Everything changed for Jennifer when COVID hit. She had spent years surviving downtown because of its bustling nature. But when the offices closed and people became more isolated, Jennifer and her husband experienced some of the most extreme pressures yet. It was harder to access food and other necessities. It was scarier to interact with others. It was that much more difficult to find hope.
But she persisted. Jennifer made sure to connect with any opportunities that came her way. Downtown, there were still several service organizations making outreach efforts – but it was Heartland Alliance Health that connected her with some of her most important services.
“When HAH reached out to me, it was because they were helping people with the COVID stimulus. That was a huge help when it came, and then these people kept coming to help me with other things too.”
Those other things included connection to one of HAH’s healthcare centers, access to drop in centers and food, and support with finding critical resources to get her back off the streets.
“I’ll never forget it, I got the news on May 28. They said I got a voucher, and they even wanted me pick my own place,” Jennifer said. “Honestly I didn’t really care where or what it looked like, I was just ready to be in a home.”
An HAH outreach worker helped the two find a great two-bedroom apartment on the city’s south side, and even managed to connect with a local furniture bank called Humble Design.
“When we walked in, I almost cried. I was so thrilled to have a bed,” Jennifer said. “I have a dog, and she got her own little furnished space too.”
Today, Jennifer is seeking work and to continue her healthcare journey. She and her husband regularly still meet with friends that still live on the streets downtown, and they make sure to mention Heartland Alliance Health every time they connect.
“I just can’t believe that I’m finally here. I look at my husband and we’re still so amazed that we have a home. I just wish everyone could have this feeling.”
