Housing Ends Homelessness

Permanent supportive housing offers long-term safety and stability to people staying on the street or in shelter.

In addition, having a place to call home has a major impact on one’s health and well-being. Studies have shown that housing saves over $10,000 per person/ year in healthcare and emergency room costs, not to mention the immeasurable impact on overall quality of life.

CHEIKH Navigating the World

Cheikh, who grew up in Senegal, West Africa, describes his life as “full and rich,” but not without its challenges.

“I worked as a United Nations translator and also as a tour guide in Senegal,” says Cheikh. “I learned a lot about people and myself from both jobs. As a tour guide, I met a wide range of people, including the person who would become my wife. She’s from New York, and I came with her to the United States after we were married.”

While in New York, Cheikh worked in various jobs, but was laid off because of the pandemic. Unfortunately, his marriage did not work out.

Cheikh moved to Boston for a fresh start. While he intended to stay with friends, the pandemic made that impossible, and he wound up without a place to stay.

“I needed help to find housing and a job. I’m now working for a company that I had worked with in New York — luckily their headquarters are in Boston.”

Shelter

Guests housed from shelter

365

Shelter beds

464

Cheikh says, “I never run from challenges because when there are challenges there is learning. I love Boston — the history, the universities, the medical facilities and the culture are all amazing.”

Shelters

5