Before coming to Lincoln Place, Jeremy, 42, had always lived with his Mom. An adult survivor of childhood trauma, he experienced a great deal of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues throughout his life, and spent 10 years seeking disability. With the encouragement of his therapist, Jeremy finally went back to work at a job he really liked. He decided it was time to take the next step and get his own apartment. He put in an application with the Rutland Housing Authority, and received a letter of acceptance to Lincoln Place.
“Living with my Mom, there were always foster kids, and it was always loud. I just wanted peace and quiet. And now I’ve got it.”
Jeremy says his move went very smoothly, thanks to the help and support of the Housing Trust staff and Lincoln Place partners. “Nikitta, Pam and Heather, they were all awesome. When I first moved in, they gave me a lot of things I didn’t have, like a broom and dustpan, a mop, and a roll of quarters to do laundry. They also showed me how to use the heat and the dimmers on the lights. One of my curtains didn’t extend, and the maintenance people fixed it right away. They really go out of their way to do things for residents.”
Jeremy enthusiastically cites a long list of things he likes about his new community, “The location; the staff; the central heat and air conditioning; the fact that they have meals brought in and they offer events. I like that everything is included – heat and electricity. And the water pressure is really good in the shower. Also, there’s no smoking in the building, and I love that. My neighbors are quiet, helpful – and I’m only a five-minute walk from work.”
He is also appreciative of the supportive services that are available to residents. “Heather is a therapist, and has an office downstairs, right off the basketball court. If you’re having anxiety, or anything related to your mental health, she’s there to talk to.”
The one downfall, he says, is the close proximity to Jones’ Donuts and Five Guys. “That’s probably a plus for most people, but I’m on a diet. Fortunately, I have my own kitchen, and I’m learning how to cook. I can bake a chicken now, thanks to my Mom.”
Jeremy shares his spacious one-bedroom apartment with his black cat, Jinx. He loves playing video games, and is happy that his apartment has enough space to comfortably set up his gaming computer. He is known among his neighbors as the “go-to” guy for computer questions. “Everybody knows my name.”
Jeremy appreciates that Lincoln Place has given him an opportunity to live independently, and is grateful to the Housing Trust for their work building affordable housing. “I love it here. Now, if I could just get more friends and family to come.”