Meet Renee

Think of the last time you went to the grocery store or the mall. Remember the cashiers, the food servers, the security guards. As you passed them by, did the thought ever occur to you that they could be experiencing homelessness?

One of the most persistent myths about homelessness is that those who experience it are unemployed and simply refuse to work. However, the National Coalition for the Homeless has found that the working homeless account for as much as 25% of those currently experiencing homelessness. We sat down recently with one of our newest residents, Renee, whose name has been changed to protect her privacy, to talk about her own experience as one of the working homeless.

“I’ve always been a worker,” Renee explained, during our recent interview.

Renee was neatly dressed and coiffed on her day off from work. Originally from Mississippi, like most transplants to Minnesota, she came here seeking opportunity. And she did find opportunity until she was laid off.

Living paycheck to paycheck, this layoff sent Renee down a path to homelessness. After a few months she was able to find employment again; however, high rental costs in the Twin Cities made it hard for her to find housing that she could afford.

Like many who find themselves homeless, she was able to stay for a time with people she knew. However, despite being able to help pay the rent, she shared that, “I was always walking on eggshells.”

“Even if you pay your way, you have to deal with everyone else’s attitude. It’s tiring wondering when someone is going to tell you to move on to another friend or family member’s place. It’s tiring not knowing where you’re going to lay your head after you get done with work.”

And so, for about 6 months, Renee found herself cycling between her sister’s place, friend’s houses, and a St. Paul shelter called Higher Ground. “I was very grateful for a place at Higher Ground,” Renee explained. “But it’s no permanent way to live.”

When asked what she felt was her biggest barrier to ending her homelessness, the price of housing was what Renee cited without hesitation. “Back where I’m from in Mississippi, you can rent an entire house for $500 to $600. The jobs may be here in Minnesota, but the housing isn’t.”

“When I got the call from Clare Housing, it was such a relief! The privacy and the quiet I have here has been great. I work long shifts — leaving at 11 am and getting back home around midnight. It’s good to be able to get some sleep. Just living here is peace of mind.”

Stigma and ignorance about HIV were also a burden to Renee while she was experiencing homelessness. “There’s a lot of stupid stigma out there. I struggled to explain things even to my sister. She kept on saying, ‘You’re sick.’ I had to explain to her that I was just as healthy as she is. She didn’t understand that you could be healthy and be living with HIV if you’re able to take your medication and be undetectable like I am.”

Renee is one of the roughly 90% of Clare Housing residents who have undetectable amounts of HIV in their bloodstream. This undetectable status means that she can lead a healthy, active life on par with her peers that are HIV negative. Additionally, being undetectable is proven to prevent the further spread of HIV to others.

When she’s not working her full-time job cashiering, Renee also loves bowling and reading, especially mystery and drama novels. “I love drama, maybe because some of the things I read about remind me of parts of my own life!” she joked.

Renee also has an adventurous spirit. “I like to jump on the bus and just go and try things out. I love going different places and meeting different people. I’m looking forward to the springtime when I can explore my new neighborhood more.”

“I’m really enjoying it here,” Renee shared in closing. “I’m so glad that this is permanent housing. There’s no time limit, and it’s so convenient to get to work. I can keep working my job and living in a place I can afford. The only way I’m leaving this place is if I hit the lottery!” Renee laughed.

We are so happy that Renee is staying with us. It’s our hope in providing permanent affordable housing that our residents will stay for as long as possible. We know that our model keeps people connected to the care they need to manage their HIV successfully. Thanks to Renee for sharing her story, and for being a part of the Clare Housing community.

Note: Renee’s name has been changed, and a stock photo used to protect her identity. Photo CC Eye for Ebony.