Terisa Hensley, a homeless woman living under a bridge in East Dallas, woke up one chilly morning in late February feeling excited and a bit nervous as she packed her belongings to move into her new one-bedroom apartment. This transition was made possible through the efforts of Housing Forward, a nonprofit organization, and the City of Dallas, which have been working to help people like Terisa leave homelessness behind.
Terisa’s journey to this new phase in her life was not easy. She faced significant trauma throughout her life, including abusive relationships and the loss of loved ones. Battling addiction and living on the streets for years, Terisa finally took the step to seek help and transition into stable housing.
As she entered her new apartment, Terisa expressed a mix of emotions – giddiness, nervousness, and feeling overwhelmed. Despite the humble surroundings of her new home, Terisa felt grateful and considered it a mansion compared to where she had been living. With the support of her caseworker, Avie Warren, Terisa settled into her new space and signed her lease, realizing the financial responsibilities that came with it.
The process of moving from homelessness to stable housing involved more than just providing a roof over their heads for Terisa and others. They received support in the form of groceries, household items, and regular visits from caseworkers to help them adjust to their new lives. The caseworkers also assisted them in accessing job training programs, benefits, mental health services, and addiction treatment.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new way of life, Terisa found joy in her new home and appreciated the support of her family and neighbors. She began exploring her passion for art, turning the walls of her apartment into murals and finding solace in creativity. While she grappled with feelings of boredom and loneliness, Terisa recognized this phase as an opportunity to embrace stillness and explore new possibilities.
The journey from homelessness to stable housing is a complex and emotional process, but for Terisa and others like her, it signifies a new beginning and a chance to envision a brighter future. As she navigates the quiet solitude of her new space, Terisa remains grateful for the support she has received and the opportunities that lie ahead.