Finding Stability and Hope with Reach’s In-Home Services
For over a decade, John has been connected to Reach to Resources, but his journey to stability was anything but straightforward. Growing up in the foster care system, John faced many hardships and often lacked the support most people take for granted. In his early adulthood, he was largely on his own, living with others when he could, but never truly having a place to call home.
John’s life took a difficult turn when he lost his housing after being taken advantage of by someone he trusted. With nowhere to go, he spent several days sleeping outside, his belongings stored in semi-trailers thanks to the kindness of his bosses. Exposure to the elements led to illness, and John found himself hospitalized for weeks, struggling not only with his health but also with mounting medical bills. He recalls, “I was outside for a couple of days, and then I ended up in North Memorial for a couple of weeks because I got sick from being out in the elements.”
It was during this low point that John first sought help from Reach. A staff member from Reach helped him secure his first real apartment, marking a turning point of stability in his life. For the first time, John had access to health and dental insurance, and he began to learn about the benefits and resources available to him—things he never had before. “Back when I was in my early 20s, there was nothing. No one told me about health insurance or dental insurance. Everything I needed came out of my own pocket,” John remembers.
Reflecting on his experience, John wishes he had known about Reach much earlier. “If it hadn’t been for Reach, I’d probably still be laying outside somewhere right now,” he says. The support he received went beyond just housing; Reach helped him navigate benefits, employment support, and provided a sense of community and stability. He even appeared on the cover of a Reach newsletter, sharing his story of overcoming homelessness and finding a place to call his own.
John is candid about the realities faced by many in similar situations. He knows there are people who, for various reasons, don’t seek help or aren’t aware of the support available. To them, John would say: “There’s this program called Reach. It’s not going to cost you anything to try it out. Maybe they can help you get out of your situation. You’re better off than being outdoors. You’ve got your health to worry about, and Reach could help you get into a better situation.”
Now settled in his own apartment, John appreciates the quiet and comfort of his new home. He enjoys the amenities, like the exercise room—“That is really cool. You can go in there, they’ve got treadmills and weights you can use”—and values the peace compared to his previous living situations. He notes how much quieter his new neighborhood is, with fewer sirens and less chaos than before. While he’s still getting to know his neighbors, he feels secure and content, something he attributes to the support he received from Reach.
John’s story is a testament to the transformative power of compassionate support. He encourages others to “go out there and get involved with Reach,” emphasizing that the organization can help with more than just financial needs. “If it hadn’t been for Reach, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. I’m about as happy as I can be.”
He also offers practical advice: “Get on insurance and make sure you’ve got your renewals right. If you want to get a job, go for it—maybe Reach can help you with employment, too. Even if you’re financially stable, if you have other challenges, Reach might be able to help you in ways you don’t expect.”
Today, John enjoys the simple pleasures of life, his own space, new furniture, and the ability to look forward to each day with hope. He’s grateful for the support that helped him get to where he is, and he wants others to know that help is out there, waiting for those who need it most.