Meet Curtis.
The first thing you notice about Curtis is his peaceful demeanor and contagious smile. Curtis came to New Narrative through a referral from our partner Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA) just under two years ago. For a long time in his earlier years, he worked with the Forest Service leading fire crews to fight forest fires in the region. His crews often recruited houseless people to provide employment opportunities. Curtis remembers the experience leading him to volunteer with homeless services to support people in the Portland area. He never imagined that he would one day need the same kind of services for himself.
The Journey Toward Stability
“As I got older my health started to climb downhill,” Curtis said. “I couldn’t do the things I used to…I’ve got some health problems from fighting forest fires for so long.” Curtis’s housing situation became shaky, and before long he was on the streets. He tried a few agencies in Portland, but the waiting list for each was long. He relies on his oxygen tank and needs regular access to electricity, which made living on the streets both difficult and dangerous. After years in recovery from alcoholism and addiction, Curtis found himself facing barriers that kept him from securing stable housing and on the brink of collapse.
Curtis speaks with a staff member
As hard as it was to ask for help, he knew he needed it. “I knew…as old as I am, that if I didn’t get off the street I was going to start using again. I’ve been in recovery for twenty years, but still, this thing, it almost drove me over the edge,” he said. “And if it wasn’t for this program…I probably would have…I hate to say it or even think about it, but I might have probably been dead by now because I was at the verge of relapsing. I’m glad the program was here.” Curtis went to NARA, where he was referred to one of New Narrative’s newer permanent supportive housing complexes. He’s now lived there for just under two years, and spoke about his experience so far with New Narrative:
“They’re very understanding. They have awesome staff; they know how to relate to people, which a lot of people don’t know how to do [for people] in our position. I suffer from PTSD, anxiety, depression…but I’ve learned by talking about it, it helps. [The New Narrative staff] are never judgmental. They basically bend over backwards to meet our needs. They’re very open-minded and understanding about our life situations, which I find very comforting.”
Comfort and Renewal
Now that Curtis has a safe and secure home, he is able to focus on his mental wellness. “What I find comforting about this organization is it gives me a chance to analyze myself and understand myself,” he said. “I enjoy it here,” Curtis added. “I feel comfortable and safe. That keeps me on an even keel with myself. And it helps my mental attitude and my physical wellbeing too. Because for a while I was worried about if I was gonna have a roof over my head, and my health started getting bad, I mean really bad, you know.” He paused, remembering. “When I finally came to a situation where I was accepted here and I felt more comfortable, I became rejuvenated. I felt like I had a reason to continue. To enjoy what life had left, you know. To smell the roses, I guess you could say, and enjoy it!” As for his overall assessment of New Narrative and its services, Curtis is clear: “As far as I’m concerned, they’re top-of-the-line. Not only the people that live here but the people who work here.”
Curtis regularly takes advantage of social outings the staff offers, such as trips to the nearby library. The staff at his complex regularly opens activities on-site as well for community-building with other residents. Thanks to vouchers from the Multnomah County Office of Homelessness Services (JOHS) administered through Home Forward, Curtis and other residents can enjoy a roof over their heads and the support they need to live the life of their choosing.
When you support New Narrative, you make it possible for residents like Curtis to find a new lease on life. Almost 40% of New Narrative’s participants are 50 years or older. With every dollar, we are building possibilities for people who need a roof over their heads and accessible mental healthcare. Join us today— your gift changes lives.
