Welcome to the “People of Pillars: A Portrait Gallery.” Every weekday in December, we will be sharing a portrait of an individual or individuals receiving services from Pillars as clients, tenants, or program participants. This gallery is an opportunity for the community to learn more about what the reality of homelessness is in the Fox Valley from those with lived experience.
It is important to note that all of the individuals featured in this gallery participated voluntarily and are willingly sharing their stories with you; however, their names have been changed to protect their privacy. Any statements, views, and opinions shared by these individuals are their own and are not endorsed by Pillars in any way. Conversations with these individuals were captured on Tuesday, November 2, 2022. Additional follow-up information about their journey to housing may be added separately as needed to bring their story up-to-date.
Ken*
Ken* is a veteran living in an affordable Pillars-owned apartment and receiving regular case management through a Pillars Supportive Housing program. “I did the Navy and the Army National Guard. Being overseas? I was in combat areas. There’s some stuff that I will never forget what I have seen. The [Veterans Affairs] says it’s in our minds, and we can never forget it. It stays with us until we’re gone. […] I’m just taking it one day at a time. I’ll be 83 in February. I went in the service at 17 in March of 1957. I quit high school, and when they found out in the 80s where I had been, [the school] had me come to a graduation ceremony and never told me why. In 1987, they presented me with my high school diploma even though I never finished. They said those of us that served overseas deserved our diplomas. It surprised me when they had me and the wife sitting on stage with the principal and the honor students. I had students coming up and thanking me for what I had done. […] I’ve heard about veterans living on the streets, but I’m enjoying it [in my apartment]. My wife never got to see it. She’ll be gone two years now.” (Photo Credit: Adam Hilbelink, November 2, 2022) *The name of the client in this post has been changed to protect his privacy.
