Eric Rogers, Detroit

Published on December 10, 2024 in

For almost two months, I was homeless. While I was going through eviction courts, one of the lawyers told me about an affordable housing program.

Before I could actually start the program, I needed employment to show I could keep up with rent. To save on groceries, I was going to shelters and churches for free food and canned goods. But, the housing program was helping me and I wound up getting a job working at Mopar, making parts for Chrysler.

I had no transportation to my new job so they referred me to Ride United, where I could get a ride back and forth to work. Everything got better from there. The rides were a blessing.

I wouldn’t have been able to hold on to my job like I did, if I didn’t have that transportation. Without a job, I wouldn’t be able to afford my apartment.

Thanks to the Ride United program, I was able to save a few checks and buy a used car to get me from point A to point B. It feels so good to finally have my own car.

Whenever I needed assistance, United Way’s social navigators were always there trying to help me in whichever way they could. It’s not just a job for them— the lady I spoke with cared, and that’s what stood out to me.

Later when I got laid off, I missed out on three weeks of unemployment because I’m not good with computers. I called 2-1-1 just hoping that they could help.

The social navigators talk to you in a way that makes it easy to open up. We got on the subject of my lay-off and I told her I didn’t know how to file unemployment, and I didn’t have anybody to help me.

She saw that I was in a bind and helped me set up my unemployment and went above and beyond to show me how to log into my account. Thankfully, I was able to pay my rent and save my apartment. Now, I’m back to work and my life is back on track.

I would recommend 2-1-1 and the social navigators in a heartbeat. For people who were in similar situations, there’s help out there. Somebody cares so don’t give up. As long as you put in the effort and show that you want to do the right thing, somebody is there to help.