Denise G. — Looking Forward to a Place of Her Own

Denise, 49, spent nearly a decade in Florida caring for her sick mother. When her mother passed away, Denise decided she needed a change, so she moved to Boston to live with her cousin. However, that fell through, and Denise became homeless.

“I came to Boston to be closer to medical experts to treat my fibromyalgia. When I got here, my cousin didn’t respond to my phone calls, so I took it that she changed her mind,” says Denise. “Luckily, I was able to connect with an old friend who let me stay with her for a few months. I didn’t want to be a burden, so I ended up leaving and coming to Pine Street Inn.”

Now at the Yawkey House women’s shelter, Denise is receiving the care she needs. “The constant pain from fibromyalgia makes movement difficult for me,” Denise says. “Staff have been so kind. They connected me with great medical care, and they help me organize my medications and appointments. I’ve also made many friends at Yawkey House, and I try to talk with everyone.”

Since arriving at Pine Street, Denise has worked with staff to search for housing, and she hopes to stay in Boston, where she can be close to her medical care. “I’m looking forward to having a place of my own,” Denise says. “I moved to Boston with my dog, “Trix,” a lab mix. She’s in a foster home now, but I can’t wait to get her back.”