Pine Street Inn
March eNews: empowering women to move beyond homelessness
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Louisa in her new home
 

Supporting Women as They Move out of Homelessness
Story of Hope: Louisa

Louisa grew up outside of Boston, and had a happy childhood. In her 30s, she found herself caught in an abusive relationship. One night, she ran away from her partner while stopped at a gas station. Frightened and alone, her only path to safety involved running across the highway. She did not see the oncoming car that threw her into the air, causing broken bones and a head injury. Louisa was in a coma for three months, and then faced more challenges. 

As a result of her accident, Louisa was prescribed OxyContin and became addicted. Although in recovery for a long time now, she still struggles with feelings of shame. She considers herself lucky that during her rehabilitation from the accident and addiction, she had strong support from her parents. 

Louisa's life took another turn a few years ago when her father died and her mother moved into a nursing home. As a result, she became homeless and cycled from one shelter to another for the past four years. When she came to Pine Street Inn, staff succeeded in building a strong relationship with her over time. Louisa was motivated to move forward, organizing all the documents needed to apply for housing. After submitting many applications, Louisa is thrilled to have moved into her own place this month! 

 

 

 
 
Amy enjoying her kitchen

Special housing for vulnerable women

Pine Street Inn has opened a new building for 20 women tenants with specialized services to help them heal from trauma and prepare to reintegrate into the community.

Amy, one of the new tenants, struggled with homelessness for several years and was able to move directly from the street into her new home. "It took a while, but I am so happy to be here."

 
 
 
Kim, PSI housing placement specialist

Supporting guests in moving forward 

Kim, a Housing Placement Specialist, shares, "Part of what we do is uplift and support guests to help better themselves. I say to my clients, ‘We can do this!’ and they get moving. 

It’s not ‘I will do this for you.’ When they are invested in the process, it empowers them. When a shelter guest moves into housing and becomes a tenant, I tell them 'YOU did this'. It’s their hard work that got them to this place.”

 
 
 

Portrait of Humanity: JuliMarie

Portrait of Humanity JuliMarie

Professional headshot photographer Charlie Abrahams volunteered his time over many sessions to create Portraits of Humanity, a series of striking portraits of our guests, paired with their quotes. Visit our photo gallery to see more Portraits of Humanity > 
 
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Pine Street Inn

444 Harrison Avenue Boston, MA 02118 | 617.892.9170