At Lifelong, we believe that housing is healthcare because we see firsthand how someone’s health is impacted by a home.
Ray is a Lifelong client who is living with HIV. He now has an apartment in Capitol Hill and is adherent to taking his medication every day, but before having a home, his life looked very different.
From his addition to drugs and alcohol, he had been in and out of prison, but before he got released the last time, he decided to make a change. He got connected with Lifelong’s Medical Case Manager, Laura, and also started going to church with his father, who would drive all the way to Tacoma to pick Ray up and take him back to church in Seattle.
Feeling strengthened by his faith and community, he soon moved into a transitional clean and sober house, and Laura worked with Ray on setting up housing payments.
“Laura started seeing that I was responsible and reliable, and whatever appointments she made for me, I was always on time and paid my money on time. Then she started helping me fill out housing applications.”
Although Ray’s housing application was initially denied, Laura worked with him on an appeal, and the apartment he lives in now is his first home.
“Before I got my apartment, I would take my HIV medication periodically, but after a while, I stopped because I was in my addiction. But now by having a home, I have a place where I can store my medications. When I wake up, I know not to miss my medication and that’s why my viral load is undetectable. So, I am doing really well. Having a place to live does a lot for a person.”
Today, Ray is a certified substance abuse counselor and volunteers as an AA group leader. Between his church choir, volunteering, and work, he keeps himself busy. Every week, Ray picks up his medication at Bailey-Boushay House and participates in their community events. He says that both Lifelong and Bailey-Boushay House have been a blessing for him.
“Being clean and sober today, I have a place where I can eat, shower, and store my medication. Last time I was in prison, I told myself that I better start living my life right and I began treating people right. I am so grateful I made that change.”