​What is going on in your life right now?

“I just moved into Olive Plaza last week. I’ve been on the waiting list for four years, and this is like a dream come true. To stay on the waiting list I had to check in with my case-worker every month. Right now I’m putting my apartment together. I’m 63 years old, and this is my retirement. I can afford to live here (rent is $350/month, with assistance from Section 8 housing). It’s nice here, lots of activities like Bingo.”

Tell me about your experience at Nightingale?

“I’d been in a small, nasty, horrible place, with rats, alcohol and drug users, and crazy people. It cost $700 a month for a small room, and the landlord refused to deal with all of the problems. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I moved out. I work out at the Eugene Family YMCA everyday (Joe has insurance that pays for his membership), and I noticed the camp while riding the bus to the YMCA. So one day I stopped and went into camp and met Nathan. He was welcoming
and helpful. I moved into Nightingale in June 2022. It was my first time being homeless. Nightingale was safe and gave me the opportunity to save money and get strong physically. Overall, it was a very positive experience.”

What makes Nightingale unique?

“It’s a safe and supportive place to be. There are good people in camp. The camp meetings, gate duty, and work parties helps build responsibility. They provide a Eugene YMCA membership so we can shower and get exercise. They also provide bus passes, food, internet, and connections to jobs and local resources. I had my mail delivered to Whitebird, a great community partner.”

Do you have any words of wisdom to share with others?

“Well, if you’re homeless, go to Nightingale. People there will help you. My other advice is to take responsibility and to be disciplined. If you take responsibility and are disciplined, you can do anything you want in the world. It’s also important to make a budget and save money.”

Final thoughts?

“I wish the City Council and Governor would do something about the outrageous housing prices. Most homeless people and people like me just can’t afford the rent to live.”