Jamie has lived in Addison County for nearly three decades. Three years ago, after separating from his wife, he found himself experiencing homelessness.
“I was a builder,” Jamie said. “Built houses my whole life.” Now, Jamie receives disability income, but it isn’t enough to cover the cost of stable housing. During his first couple of years experiencing homelessness, Jamie struggled to find the support and resources he needed. That changed a little over a year ago, when he connected with Pathways Vermont’s Rural Outreach Program and Services team.
Within a week of working with Pathways, Jamie received support securing a housing voucher and getting on multiple waiting lists, something he didn’t even know was possible before. “I wouldn’t have made it this far without Pathways,” he said.
Still, the waiting is hard. Jamie is actively viewing apartments and following up on leads, but many options have fallen through. He says he isn’t trying to be picky, but many of the places simply haven’t been livable. “The hardest part of my experience with homelessness is the not knowing. It seems like after things start moving and you think you’re doing okay, it’s radio silence,” Jamie explains. “If I had to describe my experience with homelessness in a few words, I would say, ‘I’m over it.’”
Throughout it all, Pathways has remained a constant. One moment that stands out to Jamie happened right before Christmas. He wasn’t in a good place, and Melissa, his Pathways service coordinator, showed up at his door. “She loaded me into the car and brought me to my mother’s,” Jamie said. “I would have missed Christmas with my family if it weren’t for Melissa. My mom was so happy she was in tears,” Jamie remembers.
Jamie now has the support of a full team, including Melissa, Jeff, John, and Dave. “If there’s anything they can do for me, it gets done. Fast. People just don’t do this. Not in this kind of job. But everyone at Pathways goes above and beyond. Whatever they can do, they do.”
Jamie frequently shares Pathways’ contact information with others he meets who are struggling. “Anyone I meet or have met since working with Pathways, I’ve given their card to. Pathways has done so much for me.”
Looking to the future, Jamie is eager to finally settle into a permanent home. “Home,” he says, “would mean not having to worry anymore. Just a place to breathe and relax.”
