Kim
Born the oldest of six, Kim grew up in Harlem. After high school, she became an addict. After years of moving from one family member’s couch to another, she knew she had to get help.
Susan’s Place is the first shelter that Kim has been in and as she put it, “It’s the first and last.”

She didn’t know what to expect when she arrived at Susan’s Place, but upon getting there, her life “changed tremendously.”

“This place is beautiful. The atmosphere isn’t about thuggin like it is in other shelters. The staff brings out the good parts of you. This place demands it of you.”

After almost 18 months at Susan’s Place, Kim is moving out into permanent housing.
“I never dreamed I’d be eligible for where I’m going,” she said. “This place has given me a sense of respect and self worth that I’ve never had before.”

Over the past months, Kim has been managing the gym at Susan’s Place, ensuring the new equipment is taken care of and that the women at the shelter are able to be physically active. Even though she’s moving out, she’s not done with Susan’s Place. She plans on coming back to help as much as she possibly can.

“Women come in brand new every day so I need to be helping around here like they (the staff) have helped me,” she said. “I never had a name on my birth certificate. These people took the time to take me to get my name changed and went with me to court. They knew the importance of having that name on that paper. They are helping me on the road to who I’d like to be. They helped me pave a new road for my life.”

See other stories at "Homeless Voices."