Lori L.’s Journey: Her Story of Finding Stable Housing, A Critical Step in Moving Forward

A former client of Bridging, Lori is a seasoned storyteller and a talented public speaker. She studied journalism and embarked on a multi-decade career in the field. Working in advertising, communications, and marketing for reputable Twin Cities businesses, she shared her writing expertise across a variety of sectors including financial services, healthcare, and special education.

After becoming an independent contractor more than a decade ago, Lori struggled to find work in an economy that went into a recession. She lost her home of more than 30 years and fell into a situation of homelessness due to significant economic hardship coupled with the heartbreaking loss of her partner.

For three and half years, Lori navigated the complexities of an unforgiving housing market that lacks safe and affordable housing.

“For the last three years, I lived in a room with a kitchenette in a hotel for $1600 a month. I don’t have a disability. I don’t have a criminal record. I didn’t qualify for any assistance other than food stamps,” she says.

Lori struggled to make ends meet even as she accepted any jobs she could find and worked seven days a week.

When Lori’s vehicle was stolen, she could no longer get to work. After COVID-19 eviction moratoriums ended, and she could no longer keep up with the rent, the management evicted her. She moved into another motel.

Meanwhile, all of her furniture and personal items in storage were sold at auction.

A self-advocate, Lori continued to search for jobs and housing resources, and after finally connecting with Ally Supportive Services, she received rental assistance for one month.

“I continued connecting with many social service agencies. The system was overwhelmed by the number of people that needed help. No one organization knew everything about the resources I needed. After some time, the organizations I talked to begin to coordinate,” she says.

Lori felt she hit the jackpot when she found The Experience of Neshama. Her caseworker Rochelle helped her secure supportive housing in a safe living community with residents of many ages and from diverse cultures.

“When I moved in, a lady from a local church loaned me an air mattress. I went to Target to buy a table and Walmart for a chair for my new place,” she says.

“I thought to myself, ‘I’m not going to be homeless anymore.’ I thought, ‘I’m just going to get what I get.’ That wasn’t the case. I have a beautiful new place,” she says. “And when my caseworker referred me to Bridging, it blew my mind. Bridging was a gift.”

With her caseworker accompanying her, Lori selected furniture and household goods at Bridging’s Bloomington warehouse.

“The warehouse was huge. I thought it would be old stuff, take what you get and be grateful. I started to see there were a variety of selections for all kinds of tastes. It was easy at Bridging. I took some time picking out my furniture. I got a beautiful couch and chair, a queen-sized bed, sheets and a puffy down comforter, kitchen items, a toaster and dishes, and a bucket of cleaning products. The quality was excellent. And the volunteers — they were absolutely wonderful.”

Lori was astounded by the next-day delivery of her furniture and the responsiveness of the Bridging team.  They took the extra time to set up the frame for her new queen-sized bed because of her wrist injury.

Lori is finally able to exhale and settle into her furnished home.

“I can’t believe it when I walk into my new place. It has been a big adjustment after living in hotels for so long. I have felt burnt out from where I was before. When I lived in hotels, I couldn’t call it home because it wasn’t. I can finally call this home.”

Lori’s sense of comfort and home extends to a supportive community of friends she has found in her new apartment complex.

“Right away, I met three other women who are about my age and have gone through some similar situations. We hit it off. We help each other out.”

Lori’s spare time is in short supply. Finding viable employment is her number one goal, and she spends most of her time working to pay the bills and searching for a well-paying job in her field.

When she feels financially secure and has more time for herself, Lori intends to rekindle her talent for storytelling and share her story to help others.

“I want to be an advocate,” she says. “I would like to talk about the incredible need for affordable housing. I’ll do whatever it takes. It’s been a wild ride. I am grateful for what I have.”

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