Teresa — Feeling at Ease

Teresa left an abusive family situation, looking for a better life. Even though she worked three jobs, she was unable to find an apartment she could afford because of Boston’s high cost of living.

“I was homeless for almost nine years and lived on the streets for several years,” says Teresa. “I learned about Pine Street through the outreach team. The van would bring food, blankets and warm clothing. They would check on me and others to make sure we were okay and offer to bring folks to shelter.”

The outreach team worked to build trust with Teresa and convinced her to come to Yawkey House women’s shelter. Once there, she worked with staff to secure an apartment at a Pine Street residence in Dorchester.

Eight years later, Teresa continues to enjoy her apartment and the surrounding community. “The staff in the building are supportive, and they connected me with medical care and counseling to help with my trauma.”

Now, Teresa is retired from her job and looks forward to spending more time with friends in the building and the neighborhood. “I feel at ease here,” Teresa says. “I’m glad I went to the shelter all those years ago. Now, if I see someone on the street and struggling, I tell them they should get help from Pine Street.”