Unmet human needs

Wayne is 45 and was released from prison in May after serving 20 years, including 4 years in solitary confinement.

When he came to us, he said he was given two weeks at a motel but was having a hard time adjusting and was sleeping on the floor. We provided him with services to obtain his ID, a prepaid cellphone, bike, bus passes and job referrals, and he said he was very surprised but extremely thankful for the kindness he was shown.

During the next few weeks, he came to see us several times to update us on his job search, and we were able to pay his rent for two more weeks at the motel. The next month he came back and told us he secured a full-time job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant and said he was making enough to pay his rent and said it was because of everything we did to help him to navigate life after two decades in prison. He said he was feeling good and sleeping normally again, and when we referred him to our farmer's market he said he was at a point where he didn't want to take food away from people who needed it more than him and now comes to our thrift store to shop for necessities. Working with those in transition requires patience, commitment, and resources. Now more than ever, it’s imperative that we continue to be accessible to the most vulnerable in our community.