About three years ago, Alan Wright was in a bad place in life. He says he was running on the bad side of town and got himself into trouble. “When you’re down and out, it makes you mean, you hurt so bad – there’s just something inside of you that makes you just not care. And I had gotten to that point.”
He was diagnosed with explosive outbreaks and received treatment at Northeastern Center, but it took a while for him to pull himself back together. “I had two beautiful daughters, but I didn’t realize what I had and what I was giving up. Everything else was more important than my family.”
During this time, he was matched with a caseworker at Northeastern Center who introduced him to Matt Beer, who works in the Supportive Housing department at Brightpoint. Alan was hesitant to sign up for the program until his caseworker explained that Brightpoint could help him get a place to live and get back on his feet.
Brightpoint was able to help Alan through the Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program because he was receiving services through Northeastern Center. PSH vouchers help pay a portion of rent for people who are homeless and disabled, either because they are mentally ill, recovering from substance abuse, or HIV-positive.
Matt gave Alan a list of apartments in his area to choose from. Alan was able to move in, but he didn’t have any furniture – not even a bed. However, Alan says he was so happy to have a place to live, “It was the greatest thing in life – just to lay on the floor with a pillow and blanket. I had someplace to call home.”
Eventually, Alan was able to get furniture from Mustard Seed- a local agency that helps people with household goods. He says he couldn’t believe everything that was given to him, but there was still something that was missing.
When Alan got into trouble, his daughters, who are now 10 and 11 years old, were taken away from him. Once he realized what he had lost, that was what he wanted more than anything. He credits Northeastern Center and Brightpoint for helping him get to where he is now.
“When I had the chance, somebody had their hand out and I took it and they told me, ‘set goals’ and I set goals.” And every time Alan would reach his goals, his caseworker would tell him to set more. And finally he got to see his kids and be their dad again.
“Today, I have a home of my own. I couldn’t be happier. When I met Matt, he made my life complete because of this program.”
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart… and if my daughters were here they would too.”