Larry's Story of Homelessness, Hope, and Heritage
At Humility Homes and Services, Inc. (HHSI), we believe in the power of personal stories to inspire change. Today, we share Larry's journey, a cultural educator and member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, whose life took an unexpected turn, leading him into homelessness. His story is one of resilience, community, and the enduring strength of cultural heritage.
Larry's journey began in Washington state, where he worked as a cultural educator. Life was stable until personal upheaval struck. His significant other left with their daughters, and in an effort to stay connected with his children, Larry decided to move to Chicago. After a long train journey from Southern California, he arrived at Union Station only to find his planned support system had fallen through.
Arriving in Chicago without a place to stay, Larry faced immediate challenges. "So I landed in Chicago at Union Station with all my stuff... there were some guys starting to picture my stuff and take stuff, and I ended up getting into a knock-down drag-out fight with them." This early encounter highlighted the vulnerability and dangers faced by those living on the streets.
Larry's story took a turn for the better when he connected with the American Indian Center. "I talked to the executive director there, and she said we can offer you a place to stay here at the Indian Center while you're getting on your feet." This support provided Larry with a temporary haven and a sense of belonging.
Even with this support, Larry faced ongoing struggles, including financial difficulties that led him to live in his van. Through the shared knowledge of the homeless community, Larry learned how to navigate the system and survive. "It's not hard to access services if you pay attention to other homeless people."
Larry's resilience was further bolstered by the support of Chris Dunn, one of HHSI’s dedicated Outreach Navigators. Chris played a vital role in helping Larry access the assistance and services he needed. "Through the course of my wanderings and going to the meal sites, I met Chris Dunn. He's been walking with me through this experience."
One of the most poignant parts of Larry's story is his reflection on the emotional toll of homelessness, particularly his strained relationship with his daughters. "And years have gone by and the thing that I really regret is that how the passage of time... I realized this is my 8th year living in my van."
For Larry, reconnecting with his cultural heritage played a crucial role in his recovery. "I really got back involved with my heritage... it was a way for me to keep my feet on the ground and to keep my head in the right place about me and what I'm going through."
Larry's story is a powerful reminder of the impact that community support and cultural connection can have on individuals facing homelessness. At HHSI, we strive to provide that support and connection every day. In the past year alone, HHSI has helped over 1,200 individuals find stable housing and provided essential services to more than 3,000 people experiencing homelessness. But we can't do it alone.
Join us in making a difference:
Volunteer: Your time and skills can provide invaluable support to individuals like Larry, helping them navigate their journeys with dignity and hope.
Donate: Your financial contributions ensure that we can continue to offer essential services and support to those in need.
Together, we can help more people like Larry find their way back to stability and community. Explore how you can get involved and make a difference today.
Humility Homes and Services, Inc. (HHSI) is committed to ending homelessness in our community by providing housing, advocacy, and supportive services. Join us in our mission to ensure everyone has a place to call home.