Albhie’s Story
“It’s nice to have something that’s yours.” —Albhie
Albhie and his partner have found solace in the comforts of a furnished home through Bridging. One of their favorite ways to spend time together is baking bread and cooking lentil soup and warm apples in their vintage crock pot with kitchen tools and appliances from Bridging. The couple has endured a long, arduous road to reach this point of stability and safety.
After the couple lost their housing last year, they stayed five months in a temporary shelter. As funding for shelter and housing programs decreased and daily restrictions increased, living in the shelter became more difficult, and access to stable housing seemed a distant hope.
“Funding was going away. We couldn’t bring perishable food into the shelter. The conditions were uncomfortable,” he says.
The couple made the difficult decision to move from the shelter to unsheltered homelessness.
“My girlfriend and I were homeless on the streets. It was really hard. Two Hennepin County workers were our saving grace. They were incredible. They stayed connected with us and kicked everything into high gear to help us find stable housing.”
Hennepin County helped Albhie and his partner secure income-based housing, and soon after, a referral to Bridging to furnish their entire home.
“My experience at Bridging went really well,” he says. The people who helped us out were patient and kind. They suggested different ideas and asked, ‘How about this? Or this?’ They took us through to look at everything. They showed us options and helped me match colors.”
Albhie enjoyed selecting the furniture and household items that they needed and loved for their home:
“We got a loveseat and a recliner. I love the old-lady-flower print on the loveseat. I found two end tables and a lamp. It’s nice to be able to sit in the living room together, read, and watch a show. I like our plates. They match the bowls and cups. My girlfriend can work at her new desk and do her drawing. We take pride in our furnished home. It’s nice to have our own space and keep our house clean and organized.”
For Albhie and thousands of other community members, Bridging is a vital resource that provides stability, dignity, and a furnished home.
“It feels really homey. It looks like a home. We’re looking forward to inviting friends over. It’s nice to have something that’s yours.”
