by Searetha Simons, Plymouth Housing Board of Trustees, resident, and community volunteer

I’m loud and boisterous, but you know, I love people. Growing up, I was a Bluebird and Camp Fire girl. I was in the Seattle Youth Choir and performed in school plays at the Seattle Opera. I even wrote a play myself. I was always able to speak to people. But when you’re going through stuff, like homelessness, you don’t have time for that. I could speak up for myself, but it was through anger and fear.

Since I’ve lived at Plymouth Housing, I’ve had a chance to grow and change. When I first moved in, I wouldn’t speak to people because I wasn’t okay. I was still recovering from everything I’ve been through. Slowly, I started feeling more secure. I knew I could go home and be safe and supported. And that helped me graduate from drug court and continue counseling.

Now, I can speak with an open heart and open mind. My love for Plymouth Housing comes from a mother’s heart. Nine months after I moved into my Plymouth apartment, my son moved into the St. Charles. He was living on the streets while suffering from a drug-induced psychosis, and Plymouth gave him a home. Now, he’s moved on to other housing, he’s taking his meds, and he’s stable. Housing changed his life—and mine.

When people are homeless, they’re treated differently, like they’re lesser. But they shouldn’t be judged. There are so many people experiencing homelessness who are doctors, lawyers, professors, mothers, and more. They end up sick on the streets because their company shuts down, or they get sick, or they’ve been through domestic violence like me. Give back to people. Be kind and loving. With help, love and compassion, things can get better.