Meet Lucius — October 3, 2012
I was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 2007. I had been in trade school and working in construction and landscaping when I began enjoying the “club” scene and in a relationship with a woman who withheld her HIV status from me. I started not feeling well and two weeks later decided to get tested. I got the news I never wanted to hear. I was positive.
Around that same time my roommate’s two-year lease expired so I went to court to try and remain living there. I was told I had 48 hours to vacate the premises. Now I was both sick and homeless. I heard through AIDS Ministries that Minnesota had a good health system and programs in place for people living with HIV/AIDS so I moved to the Twin Cities.
When I first arrived in 2009 I lived at the Union Gospel Mission. It was a very structured program, which I needed at the time, but I was too sick to stay there. I felt like I had failed. From there I moved to the Dorothy Day Center, a shelter which provides hot meals and medical care. Soon after I developed pneumonia and was admitted to Regents Hospital. My weight dropped to 120 pounds, and I was unable to walk. Eventually, I was transferred to Richfield Nursing Home where I spent six months working to regain my strength and improve my overall health so I could get out of the nursing home.
It was at this time that I also had to undergo a psychological evaluation. Because of my AIDS, my brain wasn’t functioning at 100% and I had to relearn basic skills. If I wanted to get out of the nursing home, I knew this was important and I had to cooperate and relearn as much as possible.
In 2010 my case manager told me about the possibility of moving into Grace House. It was the best option and I was excited to have new place to call home. Grace House is where I really got healthy. I was eating 3 meals a day and taking my meds on a regular basis. I was encouraged to practice walking every day, over and over. Mary, the lead caregiver, always encouraged me and would tell me, “You’ve got to get up! You’ve got to do this!” There were days I didn’t want to get up, days I didn’t want to practice walking but I knew Mary was right. And, I didn’t want to disappoint her. There were days where it would take me an hour just to do the stairs at Grace House. But, eventually . . . I won! My strength was back and I was walking!
I lived at Grace House for 10 months, and I was ready to live more independently thanks to Mary, the social workers and the staff at Grace House I. They worked diligently with me to relearn how to count, set-up a budget, pay bills, do laundry, cook , take public transportation, and basically how to take care of myself. Before I could consider moving, I had to demonstrate that I could live safely and pass a living skills test. Before I moved out I had to make dinner for the house. Everyone liked it! That was a success! Clare Housing and the social workers have every corner perfectly paved for you. You just have to be willing to try.
I attended some community events at Clare Midtown and was able to meet some of the residents and staff. When I met them I knew Clare Midtown could be my home. Early on in my move I would call over to Grace House frequently for reassurance, or take the bus to go visit. Mary was always there to offer reassurance and encouragement. I needed time for re-entry, to re-boot.
Moving to Midtown taught me social skills and I got my independence back. I have learned how to make better choices and surround myself with people who care about my well-being.
I like to think I am much wiser than I was back a few years ago. There have been bumps along the way, but I like being able to take care of myself, while still being enrolled in the assisted living program. I am very grateful to Angie, Johnny and the staff at Midtown. I can get the help I need, when I need it. I love having a place like Midtown to call home.