Perry sits on the couch watching Family Feud, with a word search puzzle on the table – finding names of fish among a sea of letters. New blinds decorate the windows that look out onto the Milwaukee street. He has been in this apartment for two years, and says it is all he needs – along with Stacy, the energetic Yorkshire Terrier circling his lap in her pink sweater. Perry has been with Community Advocates’ Autumn West Supportive Housing program for roughly ten years and shares his journey with deep gratitude.
Perry’s issues started when he was introduced to cocaine when he skipped his high school classes to play pool at a local hangout. Eventually dropping out of school to begin working – perceiving a paycheck, paid vacation, and an on-site cafeteria more valuable than an education – his drug use escalated to heroin. It was the beginning of a vicious cycle. He recalls stories of crashing cars, getting stabbed, being in jail, and losing his parents. Painting the picture of his substance use, he emphasizes the repetition of addiction – breakfast at a local church, then a walk around Potawatomi, time at the library, and a shower and dinner at a shelter. “I got sick and tired of being sick and tired,” he said.
When approached by Community Advocates’ Homeless Outreach Program team one morning at breakfast, Perry knew this was an opportunity he needed to grab and hold on to. “They gave me more than an apartment,” Perry said. Once connected with Community Advocates, a variety of resources became available to him, including bus tickets and food assistance. He recalls the relief of setting his bags down behind closed doors after years without security. Cherishing the opportunity of having a place to call his own, he refused to let the presence or temptation of drugs to influence his life any longer, he requested an apartment far from his old stomping grounds.
During his time with Autumn West Supportive Housing, he lost his sister – a major support system in his life – and received a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. “I know God’s got me here for a reason, I just haven’t found it yet. I don’t know if I’m a seed planter, but I hope my story helps someone,” Perry said.
Honored to share the ups and downs of his life, he hopes that if someone is struggling that they know there are people in the community who want to help. With the support of Community Advocates, his sponsor, and faith, Perry is now living in permanent supportive housing, is connected to income supports, has mended his relationship with his daughter, is getting Stacy certified as an Emotional Support Animal, and finally feels like he has accomplished something. “I don’t have much, but it’s mine,” he said.
