Momentum: 35 Years of Housing Action

35 Years of Housing Action
returning
home
MARKETTA SIMS
Corporation for Supportive Housing &
Supportive Housing Providers Association
The stories of people who live in supportive housing can shed light on
important issues. Because of this, Housing Action Illinois partnered with the
Supportive Housing Providers Association in 2019 for a series of workshops to
help residents of permanent supportive housing explore telling stories to make
a difference. Marketta Sims participated in one such workshop.
Marketta Sims
“...no matter what you go through,
you do not have to stay stagnant.”
I was homeless and without a doubt in despair. I had nowhere to
go and no one to turn to. I was going through domestic violence
with my family after returning home after serving thirteen years
inside of walls that could not bind my spirit. I told my children
after my 90 days of house arrest that it was like living with the
devil herself. I would have to leave and better myself because,
if I could not love or be good to myself, I would not be able to love
my children the way they needed me to. I rose against the odds
when my task worker was off duty but still went to a shelter with
me called Prosperity House in the middle of the night to make
sure that I was in a safe environment.
I had to stay on the couch the first night, but after that I ended
up in the Butterfly Room. I then pursued permanency because
I knew I needed more in order to be successful. So I called
Catholic Charities and they referred me to Grace House. I had
to go on and interview to be accepted into this shelter. I got
accepted and the first thirty days are self-healing, so no jobs
or going out of the house. I had therapy which was wonderful
because it helped me understand a lot of things that I was
experiencing since I returned home.
Then a Debbie Downer took the place of my wonderful
administrator from the Grace House program. She doubted
everything I encountered, and I proved her wrong every time.
I had gained weight and she thought that when I joined Back
on My Feet I would not survive running, but I am an alum and
still participate when needed. When I transitioned into the SRO
(Single Room Occupancy) living unit, she doubted my ability to
get in. I was accepted and then, after living there for two years,
received my Section 8 voucher which is a blessing in itself.
People wait for many years to experience the blessings that
were bestowed upon me and I want to share this experience
of homelessness because everyone deserves to be happy in
their lives.
Favor is not fair, and what you put into the atmosphere
will be granted back to you. Anyone who is struggling with
homelessness needs to be uplifted in such a way because it
can end up messing with the person physically and mentally.
Let them know to—despite all odds—remain faithful and stay
amongst people that can make them see better days. My light
and inspiration to move forward every day were my children,
who I love and cherish so much. I want to leave behind a legacy
showing that no matter what you go through, you do not have
to stay stagnant. I leave you with a quote of mine: With great
sacrifices come great accomplishments! •
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