After falling behind on her rent, Billie began experiencing homelessness. She was made aware of CISS through a service provider in Ottumwa, a region of the Rolling Hills Coalition (RHC). She looks forward to securing housing back home in Centerville, Iowa, where her grandchildren live.
Her case managers through the RHC have been helping Billie obtain a copy of her birth certificate so she can apply for housing. Her goal is to have her own apartment by the end of the fall so she can get back on track.
Though she is ready to go back home, Billie is grateful to CISS for the shelter, food, support, and friends she has made while here. And likewise, the staff and residents at CISS are grateful for Billie, who volunteers in the laundry room, keeping all the linens and towels washed, dried, and folded.
Billie enjoys sewing quilts, baking, and cooking—but misses being a grandma the most. She wants to be close to her grandkids again, so she can be there to see them grow up and share her hobbies with them as grandmas do. She looks forward to securing housing back home in Centerville, Iowa, where her grandchildren live.
Billie wants to encourage others not to be afraid of individuals experiencing homelessness. She says, “A lot aren’t dangerous. They just want a home.” #TheOtherSide
