My Own Journey Home Story — July 23, 2015
Inspired! There really is no better word to describe my first year at Clare Housing. In simple ways, on many days, I see the mission come alive through our residents, volunteers, contributors and staff. All dedicated, all passionate, all true to the cause of providing equitable access to affordable housing and healthcare with the vision of an AIDS-free world. Thank you for welcoming me into the Clare Housing family.
My passion in this work comes from a personal connection to the epidemic. Ten years ago, I watched my dear friend Dan fight through his positive diagnosis, which was also complicated by his addiction to cocaine, meth and alcohol. It was an overwhelming experience for me. I remember welling up with tears just at the thought of losing my friend.
Dan was so damn funny, full of charisma, sharp as a tack, but he was also in major denial the first few years and wasn’t taking his meds. His health suffered significantly and he was beginning to fade away. It was heart breaking to watch this downward spiral. I was filled with desperation, frustration and sadness that his other friends and I couldn’t help him.
Fortunately the one thing Dan had going for him was his very involved family. They walked step by step with him, up every hill and through every valley, eventually helping him to accept the need to go into treatment. By staying with him and linking him to care, Dan’s family was the safety net that saved his life.
For Dan, “Home” meant “Family”, and in them he found his hope. Dan is now undetectable and sober, and is a newlywed. I recently had coffee with Dan, and was amazed by his transformation. He’s looks great. He’s stable and he’s happy. All of these things put a grin from ear-to-ear on my face.
At Clare Housing, we provide the safety net that Dan found in his family. We provide the stability and support that is transformative in the lives our residents. And that is why I am continuously inspired!
Red Ribbon Ride 2015 Recap
If you cannot remember the last time you were inspired, this should do the trick. The 2015 Red Ribbon Ride was such a positive event. Team Clare Housing has already committed 7 — yes SEVEN — 4-day Riders for 2016. I mean, come on, that is pretty amazing, don’t you think?
And, of course, more are welcome to join us as a rider or crew member!
The spirit of this year’s Ride was incredible; I’ve never witnessed such boundless energy from folks who were riding 300 miles in all types of weather. To pick just one highlight, it has to be cheering on riders as they climbed (and I mean climbed) up the Mankato hill in the last mile of an 85 mile day with a heat index over 100. Talk about WOW!
I’m now certain we can surpass any challenge in our efforts to link folks to the housing and healthcare that will create an AIDS-free world. We’d like to thank all who have supported us with ‘happy thoughts’, donations, came to a fundraiser, or linked us to a volunteer. You too are amazing! Our Team has raised over $6,000 and donations are still very much welcome at bit.ly/teamclare.
If you’d like to join us to celebrate the 2015 ride, and learn more about opportunities to join in next year, attend the Red Ribbon Ride Victory Party on August 9th.