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.
Christine*
Christine* is a client at Pillars Adult Shelter who frequently visits Pillars Resource Center during the week. “I found out about [Pillars] after I was released from jail in 2021, and I stayed at some motels for awhile. When my money ran out, I had suicidal ideations and decided to go to the hospital and get some help. I was at ThedaCare Neenah in the Behavioral Health ward, and I learned so much about myself. I’m a recovering alcoholic, too, which landed me in jail. They helped me find more resources. They helped me get into Pillars Adult Shelter. They helped me get into Casa Clare Rehabilitation Facility, which I stayed there for two and a half months. I’ve been at [Pillars Adult Shelter] for a little over eight months, and they’re a godsend. I’m thankful every day for it. I just don’t like the chaos that goes on around me, but I try to focus on things that should matter. [...] I’ve been told many times that I don’t look like a homeless person. It could be anybody. It could be you, some stranger walking down the street, you don’t know, and there are a lot of stereotypes. There is help for those that need it. [...] Some want it, some don’t. There’s some that don’t care anymore and give up. Those are the ones that need help the most.” (Photo Credit: Adam Hilbelink, November 2, 2022) *The name of the client in this post has been changed to protect her privacy.
