Final December, Joey Gagnier instructed an outreach employee that he was bored with dwelling his life the best way it was going. He needed higher for his life: a house for his household, consisting of his mom and their three canines.
The following day, the outreach employee returned with an software for a brand new starting. Throughout the subsequent few days, Gagnier and his mom have been transferring from their tents into Kiggins Village, the town of Vancouver’s fourth Secure Keep shelter.
“It was an early Christmas present,” stated Gagnier, 38.
Kiggins Village — which consists of 20 sleeping sheds enclosed by a fence within the Lincoln neighborhood — opened final December. State and native officers hailed the group as “lifesaving.”
The location is overseen by Portland nonprofit Do Good Multnomah. Inside its first 12 months, 17 individuals have moved into housing, with 4 extra on the best way — together with Gagnier and his mom. Two others have moved into remedy for substance-use dysfunction. Different residents say the group has helped them join with assets, foster group, and deal with themselves and their long-term objectives.
“Without this place, my only outcomes were drugs, prison or death. This place allowed me to get my life back. It saved my life,” stated Gagnier, who will rejoice one 12 months in restoration from medication in March.
New beginnings
Kiggins Village resident Rachel Williamson thanks God each evening for a mattress and a secure place to get up, prepared to perform her objectives.
“Before, I was a mess. I was all over the place, tent to tent. I had an apartment, then lost it. … I was going through my addiction,” Williamson stated. “But one day, I just said, ‘This isn’t the life for me. I can’t do this anymore.’”
After finishing two sobriety and housing packages, Williamson discovered Kiggins Village by way of the Vancouver nonprofit Council for the Homeless. Initially hesitant, she’s now lively locally. She began a gaggle known as Open Ideas for individuals to share brazenly and help one another.
She stated she’s engaged on her objectives, together with taking American Signal Language courses and celebrating 5 years in restoration. Her long-term purpose is to open a spot like Kiggins Village.
“I try to let people know and put forth an effort to say, ‘I’m a good person to talk to, and if you need anything from me, I’m here,’” stated Williamson, 39.
Kiggins Village affords case administration and helps individuals hook up with assets. Prior to now 12 months, the shelter additionally has seen success past serving to individuals transfer onto the following steps.
The shelter’s supervisor, Dale Smith, stated no overdoses have occurred on website. Throughout the previous 5 months, nobody from Kiggins Village has gone again to homelessness, he stated.
Smith additionally stated Kiggins Village has retained 93 % of its employees.
“In social services, turnover is really high. The average tenure is about 12 months, but our team has done such a good job in making sure that we’re healthy and we’re supporting our staff,” Smith stated.
Kiggins Village residents stated employees have been instrumental in serving to them transfer ahead.
“Sometimes when you’re transitioning, you’re like, ‘Where do I go? What do I do?’ Their guidance is a very good tool, and they guide you to the right directions,” Williamson stated. “Especially for me, because I started off really low, and then they raised me up again and again.”
Residents stated the Secure Keep group has allowed them to pursue hobbies and passions.
Secure housing not solely has helped Gagnier get identification and a Social Safety card; it additionally has given him time to deal with his artwork. One latest day at Kiggins Village, he swiped orange spray paint on a canvas to create a vibrant photo voltaic system with a sunset-hued planet.
Picture
“It’s been life-changing having a home base to where I can actually get things done,” Gagnier stated. “I could never get anything done when I was in a tent.”
Close to Gagnier’s makeshift studio underneath a pop-up cover, Kate Mckenzie finalized her vacation decorations. She moved to Kiggins Village in April and has reconnected along with her son after two years. The 2 plan to maneuver in collectively after she leaves Kiggins Village.
“It can only go up from here,” McKenzie stated.
‘Get back up’
Tammy Gagnier, 58, stepped out of her shed with a cup of espresso in a single hand and a sprig can of whipped cream within the different.
“Oh, what a nice day,” she stated, earlier than leaning all the way down to spray a wholesome glob of fluffy cream on a paper plate.
Her son’s canine, Fettington, slurped it up earlier than wanting up at her with an almost-smile dotted by whipped cream.
Whereas her son will transfer into The Pacific residences in January, Tammy Gagnier will likely be proper behind him, transferring throughout the road to The Meridian residences.
She stated employees have been superb help as the 2 obtained again on their toes.
“People don’t always understand when you’re down how hard it is to get back up,” Tammy Gagnier stated. “But this place, it allows us to get back up … and come out the other side.”