Kelsi T. — Support Is So Important

Kelsi grew up in the Massachusetts foster care system. “When I turned 18, I ‘aged out’ of the system,” Kelsi says. “Having grown up in institutional settings, I wasn’t prepared to take care of myself.”

Soon, Kelsi became homeless and lived on the streets for many years. “There were times when I stayed in shelter, especially during the winter months, but mostly I stayed outside,” she says.

During her time on the street, Kelsi developed a substance use disorder. “There came a point when living on the streets and my substance use took a toll on my health,” Kelsi says. “I was working with Pine Street’s street outreach team — getting support and connections to medical care — when I found out about an apartment at a Pine Street residence. With the team’s encouragement, I moved in.”

Now in a safe, stable home, Kelsi is focused on both her physical and behavioral health. “I’m lucky to have a great team around me,” she says. “When you go from being homeless to having an apartment of your own, you have to re-learn how to take care of yourself. Having support is so important.”

Kelsi reflects on her time on the streets. “Homelessness doesn’t discriminate. When you see a person living on the street, be empathetic, because every day is a struggle to survive. I’m very grateful to Pine Street for my home.”