Client story: ‘I am one of the lucky ones’
Micah* sums up his 55 years in a simple sentence: "I’ve had a hard life." He grew up quicker than most after having a child at 18 years old. He has had 34 surgeries. His mental illness requires ongoing psychiatric care. And still, he shares that nothing has been as challenging as suddenly finding himself without a home.
Micah had been living with father and brother, who he describes as extremely controlling. After a disagreement, his brother kicked him out without warning. That same day, Micah was assaulted when someone slammed his head into the concrete, causing a concussion. Alone on the street for the first time in his life, and without access to his medications, Micah began to spiral.
He spent time at a local shelter. Micah does not use drugs or alcohol, and in one of his first nights there, he stepped on an exposed needle. In his early days of houselessness, he administered Narcan to others several times. "The drugs are a big problem," he says. "Spend 30 days homeless – no money, clothes, or cell phone. Spend a month truly trying just to live, and you will understand how there is an underworld below the world ‘normal people’ live in."
Finding a path to LifeWorks NW
Micah was trying to find another place to land when his son told him about LifeWorks NW. He was able to connect to services with Isaac Fuller, Case Manager.
"Micah was suddenly kicked out of his brother’s home," says Isaac. "I guided him to a Portland shelter in real time over the phone using Google Maps, making sure he didn’t have to sleep on the street."
From there, things began to turn around for him.
"I call it the trifecta: Isaac, Flavius, and Jon," says Micah, referring to the case manager, mental health therapist, and psychiatric nurse practitioner on his team. "At LifeWorks NW, you get a team that works hard to get you what you need." In Micah’s case, they helped him enroll in Oregon Health Plan, provided mental health therapy, connected him to community resources, and ensured that he had access to the medications he needs to manage his mental illness.
"I wasn’t taking meds properly," says Micah, "But that has changed. I am consciously taking them every day for the rest of my life."
"But it’s not just the meds," he stresses. "Seeing Flavius and talking with him about everything, seeing Isaac and coordinating everything outside of LifeWorks NW. If it wasn’t for Isaac getting me to the shelter, I would have tried to end my life. Being homeless is terrifying, and people just don’t understand the hardship."
"Micah is an absolute joy to work with," says Flavius Rusu, his therapist. "His warmth, genuine character, and resilience are truly inspiring."
‘A 180-degree turnaround’
Micah shares that his mental health has changed dramatically since coming to LifeWorks NW. "Flavius says he sees a 180-degree turnaround in how I talk about things," says Micah. "I now see that in myself. It’s amazing because I now say that, despite everything, I know I am one of the lucky ones."
Micah is moving into long-term housing and looks forward to keeping up with his mental health more with stabilized housing. Still, he says he will never forget the compassion he experienced while homeless.
"I love the receptionists," he adds. "When I was in crises, they truly helped me. Everybody stepped up, and I am so grateful."
*Not his real name
LifeWorks NW provides mental health, addiction, and prevention services across the lifespan. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, we have a team of specialists who can help. Learn more about our programs by calling 503-645-9010 or by filling out our contact form.
