SOUTH BEND, IN (WSBT) — It’s a story about transformation. After years of living on the street two women moved to permanent supportive housing at Oliver Apartments.
And it’s all thanks to Motels4now.
From sleeping on the street, abandoned homes and years of homelessness to now having a place to call yours own, it’s a transformation that wouldn’t be possible without Motels4Now.
From sleeping on the street, abandoned homes and years of homelessness to now having a place to call yours, it’s a transformation that wouldn’t be possible without Motels4Now. (WSBT photo)
“Oh lord I been homeless for years, oh my god where to start,” said Alice Adams Binion.
In 1997 Binion moved to South Bend. She was married twice but neither worked out and became homeless after.
“Sleeping outside in the winter basically finding bandos [abandoned homes], garages, broken cars. Basically, anywhere you could lay your head without getting arrested by the law or getting in trouble by those around you,” said Binion.
But once she found Motels4Now her transformation journey towards her current housing situation began.
“They also keep you active to keep you motivated and forward to keep you going and getting towards your goal of getting housing,” said Binion.
For Tabitha Smith Wiley who became homeless in 2018, she’s thankful for the help and support from Motels4Now.
From sleeping on the street, abandoned homes and years of homelessness to now having a place to call yours, it’s a transformation that wouldn’t be possible without Motels4Now. (WSBT photo)
She expressed what the housing opportunity means after being homeless.
“Peace. Serenity. A quiet soul. Homeless, don’t get that very often,” said Smith Wiley.
And for Binion it’s a blessing. She’s grateful to have staff who constantly check up on her and want her to succeed.
From sleeping on the street, abandoned homes and years of homelessness to now having a place to call yours, it’s a transformation that wouldn’t be possible without Motels4Now. (WSBT photo)
“Once you lose this, it’s hard to get back in cause, I noticed people who’ve been in the program, and they lost their housing and they’re back on the streets and they’re struggling again. And they’re like, I wish I never lost my spot, and I’m looking at it like, I don’t wanna be there again,” said Binion.
Motels4Now is evolving into the New Day Intake Center. The mission remains the same: Ending chronic homelessness by ensuring support and access to permanent housing.