“I am excited I have an apartment. I wish I could say a permanent job. But having a place to live was the goal and the reason I came here.”
James had faced homelessness many times throughout his life, but he is determined to not allow his past to define who he wants to become.
“I am a 59-year-old man. I don’t have time to play,” said James. “I messed up in my younger years, and I have to make up for that time.”
James became a resident at Jefferson Spaces (Tiny Homes) in February 2021. During a brutally cold week in January, he was forced out of a friend’s house. He lived with a friend who was a part of a program that did not allow roommates. “My friend was in a car accident. I was helping to take care of them. I was paying bills, but the landlady found out about me and put a lock on his door. I had to leave,” said James. After being displaced, he began staying in emergency shelters and found a warming tent at St. Patrick Center.
It was at St. Patrick Center when he learned about rapid rehousing and Tiny Homes. “I was asked if I wanted to sign-up, and I did immediately. I signed up, and within two days, I was approved to move into Tiny Homes. And six weeks later, I was informed I was the next 100 people to be housed by rapid rehousing.”
Life has been challenging for James. He was in and out of prison for various crimes, including forgery. “I was tricked into that by a man. I didn’t know anything about bankruptcy. He tricked me into that,” he said disappointingly.
The forgery on his record has caused him to miss out on jobs. “I use to work at restaurants as a waiter. I can’t get jobs there anymore. I want people to know, I am not a thief. I made bad decisions, but I am not a thief.” The only type of work he can find is through temporary agencies.
James has taken advantage of every opportunity presented to him to get on his feet. He’s taken the two-day workshop, World of Works Class, through Employee Connections. They helped him write a resume and prepare him for job interviews. He’s also taken advantage of the services Tiny Homes provides as well.
“The people here (Tiny Homes) are great. They know if you’re about your business or if you’re here for play. I’m about my business, so the staff here has been very helpful to me.” He commends Tiny Homes on providing a safe and clean place for people to live. “It’s nice living here. They have clean showers, a laundry facility. You can’t ask for anything better coming from the streets. It’s a great setup.”
Trying to find a permanent job and housing has been difficult for James. But he’s found someone willing to take a chance on him. He will be moving into his very own apartment off Cherokee Street in South St. Louis. “It’s real nice. It has hardwood floors. And it’s mine. It feels good to know I have my own place to live.”
James was introduced to Christine, his new landlady, by a social worker. “She’s my guardian angel. I owe her my life,” when speaking about Christine.
“He has paid his debt to society. People need to understand that not everyone wakes up and says they want to commit a crime. Unforeseen circumstances can cause people to act irrationally. But James has done the work. I’m here to assist,” said Christine.
James wants those to know who are facing opposition in life that there is a way out. “It’s up to you. You have to get out of your own way and do something about it. People will give you a chance, but you have to show initiative. If you don’t, no one is going to work with you.”
He is optimistic about finding a permanent job. He knows his tenacity, drive, and determination will work out for him in the end. Those three factors are the reason he found a place to stay. “I see the fruits of my labor,” said James when speaking about his apartment. “I am waiting to hear you’re hired for that permanent position.”
James moved into his apartment a week before the article was released. He is still working temporary jobs, but he’s looking for a permanent position.
