1. Michael’s Story of Hope
Michael was working full time and raising his two sons, but lost his job due to repercussions from a
back injury. After the accident he was unable to work and times were tough after losing his job.
Michael rented a room in a hotel, trying his best to keep things in place for himself and his two sons.
However, when Michael was not able to afford to pay the room rent, he decided his sons needed to
stay with their mother, until he figured things out. He ended up homeless and did not know where to
turn for help.
To sleep, Michael would ride the city bus all night, and look for ways to get back on track during the
day. Friends would help out when they could, but it was not a sustainable solution to his
homelessness. Michael decided he needed to ask for help, but it was difficult to take that first step
and ask for assistance.
Michael came to the lottery at the Simpson shelter in 2011. He
did not get picked to receive a 28-day stay at the shelter on his
first try, but he persisted and came back again the next month
for the lottery. The second time his number was called and he
had a bed at the shelter for 28-days. This was the turning point in
Michael’s life. Soon after, he was chosen to have a permanent
bed at the shelter, and was then accepted into the transitional
housing program.
As Michael progressed in the program, something pretty amazing happened…he felt hopeful.
Michael’s two Family Housing advocates helped him get his previous matters in order and also
partnered with him to set attainable goals to move forward. Throughout these challenges, Michael
learned to advocate for himself, with dedication and persistence, he overcame obstacles that
previously had seemed insurmountable. Michael shared “I thought my life was over after the
mistakes I had made, but I asked for help and with resources and assistance fromSimpson Housing
Services, I solved many previous issues with the help of my
advocate.”
Things started falling into place as Michael completed each of his
goals. There was an unjust rental history that was expunged; he
regained his good credit after an identity theft incident; and he
also received the Social Security benefits that he was first denied,
after his back injury. He continued to accomplish his goals and
persistently moved forward as his list got shorter. During the
time Michael worked with Simpson Housing Services, he achieved a goal to increase his
income. Michael exited the Simpson Housing Services’ programs on September 30, 2014 after
achieving his housing goals. Michael now lives in permanent subsidized housing with his sons.

2. Michael would recommend Simpson Housing Services to anyone experiencing homelessness, or is in
need of additional resources. When asked about his experience, Michael responded with a confident
tone, “Simpson gave us our life back…and I am grateful every day for Simpson Housing Services.”
This is not the end of Michael’s story. It is just the beginning. His oldest son, Michael Jr., is a
sophomore in college and his younger son, Mitchell, is finishing high school with plans to attend
college. Both are doing well in school and are also athletes. Michael is proud of his sons and talks to
them about making good choices, and being accountable for their actions. Michael also wants to give
back to the community and is hopeful of one day to volunteering at the Simpson shelter to be a role
model for anyone struggling with homelessness.
When asked what he would say to someone at the shelter who is homeless, Michael said, “I would
take the time to sit down, tell them my story and assure them that there is always hope and
everything will turn out fine if you do your part and stay on track.”