Kalel — Seeing the World in a New Light

Kalel, now 46, moved to Boston three years ago to be closer to their significant other.

“I was living in Oklahoma when I met the person who would become my significant other. They were from Boston,” Kalel says. “During the pandemic, I got laid off from my job at a school bus manufacturing plant. That’s when I decided to move to Boston to live with them.”

Unfortunately, the relationship didn’t last, and Kalel found themself without a home. At first, they stayed in motels, and then when their savings ran out, they lived on the streets for a year.

While living on the streets, Kalel suffered a brutal attack that left them blind in both eyes. “I’m lucky to be alive,” Kalel says. “I was stabbed multiple times and hit on the head with a brick. When I woke up in the hospital, I was blind.”

After the incident, they stayed with a friend; however, they needed more extensive care. Their friend suggested that Kalel and their service dog come to Pine Street Inn’s Yawkey House shelter.

“I was so lucky to have found Pine Street,” Kalel says. “The team at Yawkey House has been amazing. The staff helped me get health insurance and mental health care to deal with my assault trauma. A few months ago, they connected me with a surgeon who helped restore my sight in one eye.”

Kalel continues, “There’s so much love and care here. I feel at ease. I can see all the good that Pine Street does for the guests at Yawkey House. After everything I’ve been through, I feel lucky to have a roof over my head, meals and a supportive community.”

Kalel now has their eyes set on the future. “I’m looking for housing,” they share. “I hope to go back to work, and as my eyesight improves, I hope to see the world.”