Scott’s Story of healing
Scott lived at Do Good's Roseway Motel Shelter from January 2023 to early January 2024. We worked together to secure permanent housing, and today he has his own apartment in Downtown Portland, where he’s focused on his mental health and applying for work.
Scott grew up in Tacoma, WA with adoptive parents. His father passed away before he was born and his mother died from an opioid overdose when he was young, leaving him an orphan.
After experiencing multiple foster homes, group homes, and an adoptive family, Scott chose to live on his own because he didn't feel safe.
To survive during the winter, Scott would sleep in abandoned barns and cars, retrieve food from Safeway dumpsters, and seek warmth in trap houses.
"In those trap houses, you couldn't even shower without your shoe laces being stolen. If you plugged in your phone, it would be gone the minute you turn your head. You always had to be on your toes."
"I was tired of being alone. You’re not meant to be alone. It eats you up as a human being. It starts taking away your humanity because you don't interact or have love in your life."
Scott was living out of his car for a couple of months before seeking shelter. Two windows were broken and missing, and he wrapped himself with blankets and cardboard for warmth.
"After living in such horrible circumstances, you just stop fighting and hope you don't die."
Scott discovered Do Good by connecting with Bridges to Change, who was able to get him on the waitlist. Within a week, Scott was welcomed to the Roseway Motel.
"When I first got there, I was paranoid. Nobody was ever this nice to me or cared about me to actually care about me. They made me feel like I had value, And that’s the key there…they give you the freedom to be independent and make your own decisions."
Scott connected with Asher, his Do Good Case Manager, Asher and was able to attend his first few sessions of therapy to better manage his PTSD and trauma from experiencing houselessness and growing up in dangerous environments. Asher provider support by setting up appointments, securing transportation services, and joining Scott at his sessions to ensure he was comfortable and in the right head space for therapy.
"Scott's resilience and determination stood out to me. Despite facing significant challenges, he remained committed to his goals. His willingness to overcome trust issues and embrace positive change was truly inspiring. Additionally, his gratitude and acknowledgment of the support system around him highlighted the impact of collaborative efforts in the journey towards stability. "
—Asher, Roseway Motel Shelter Case Manager
The Oregon All In Initiative program helped Scott move into his very own apartment in January of 2024. He is currently attending therapy sessions at least once a month, has access to ADHD and high cholesterol medicine, and in the process of applying for a 6-month welding internship program.
