According to United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, over 35,000 veterans experience homelessness in the U.S. At Pine Street Inn, we work with 300 veterans each year through our supportive housing, shelters, job training, street outreach and behavioral health programs. Jonathan Kolodziej, one of Pine Street’s behavioral health…
“What started as a social activity when I was 18 turned into a serious problem,” shares Claude, reflecting on his struggles with alcohol. “Things worsened after my father passed away. Then I went through a divorce and lost my job, and my dependence on alcohol continued to deepen.” Claude knew he needed a fresh start….
“I always say there’s no one path for recovery,” says Anita Nichols-Habib, Pine Street Inn’s associate director of housing recovery services. In her role, Anita oversees two different programs related to recovery and substance use disorder. “The housing stability support program is for people who are formerly homeless and in independent housing with either a…
Melissa grew up in Boston in a large, close-knit family that struggled financially. Melissa began working in retail at the age of 14 to bring in additional income. Several years later, she developed a substance use disorder, which led to estrangement from her family and to homelessness. “I became addicted to prescription drugs following an…
Daryl, a tenant at one of Pine Street Inn’s residences in Dorchester, found the community and stability he craved, but it wasn’t an easy journey. Originally from Ohio, Daryl and his family moved to Boston when he was young. Despite having a strong foundation growing up, life threw challenges his way leading him to years…
Justin grew up north of Boston. His birth parents gave him up for adoption as an infant, and he spent his early years in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. When he was 8 years old, Justin was adopted. “My adoptive family was not the best fit for me, and we…
When Lindsay Palmer first walked through the doors of Pine Street Inn, she never expected the profound impact it would have on her life. “I have always been passionate about community,” she shares. Now, with five years of experience at Pine Street, Lindsay reflects fondly on her journey, “I have loved it ever since.” In…
Amanda Proctor is the clinical supervisor for veterans outreach. She manages a team that includes a clinician and case managers who help homeless veterans access services, connect with benefits and secure housing. “As a child, I told my parents that I wanted to live at home and make cookies for people experiencing homelessness,” Amanda recalls….
In a way, George has come full circle. While he lived in Somerville for 40 years, George was born in Jamaica Plain, where he now resides in one of Pine Street’s residences. George worked hard all of his life as a maintenance person for the Somerville Parks and Recreation and later in construction. “I became…
“You will rise again,” Jon shares, reading from one of his poems. “Strength isn’t always about moving mountains. Sometimes it’s just deciding to start again.” Living with muscular dystrophy, Jon has long defied the odds. “Doctors said I would be in a wheelchair by now, but I’m still bouncing around,” he shares. That determination has…
Victoria owned a business and a home for many years. When she met her husband, she decided to give up both her business and home to marry him. Unfortunately, the relationship soon soured, and Victoria’s husband became physically abusive. “It was a frightening situation, and I knew I had to leave,” Victoria says. “I was…
Ana, 63, grew up in Boston. She lives with a disability that has made living on her own challenging; however, she has worked to overcome those obstacles and remain independent. “I had rented a room and lived with my dog in Dorchester for many years,” Ana says. “Eventually I got priced out. I tried to…
