Roxi — A Journey of Resilience

“I did what I had to do to get back on my feet,” shares Roxi, reflecting on her journey out of homelessness. “Living on the street was terrifying,” she says. Still, she refused to let it define her.

Roxi first moved to Boston when she was 22 to be closer to family. She began working in food service and attended university. “I was building a life for myself,” she shares.

Life took a turn when she was forced to leave Boston due to a domestic violence situation. “I moved to Philadelphia and stayed with a friend for a while,” Roxi says. “But I couldn’t afford to pay rent. Eventually, I ended up living on the street.”

“It was difficult being outside in the cold,” Roxi shares. “I knew I needed to seek help, but I didn’t know where to go in Philadelphia.” That’s when Roxi made the decision to return to Boston.

“I was only back one day when I called the police,” Roxi recalls. “They said the safest place for me to go was Pine Street Inn.”

Roxi spent three months in Pine Street’s Yawkey House shelter. “The staff were very supportive and caring,” she says. “They connected me with resources and programs for domestic violence survivors.”

With the help of a case manager, Roxi found housing in one of Pine Street’s residences. “The neighborhood is safe and quiet,” Roxi shares. “I’m happy to have my own space.”

Now 30, Roxi hopes to return to work and rebuild her life. “I’ve come too far to give up now,” she says. “I’m grateful to have a home again.”