“A beautiful place”
Norma’s story was originally shared in Winter 2023.
Today, we would like to share the story of Norma, a resident who moved from the streets into housing in October 2023. Norma’s journey from a sleeping bag on the sidewalk to a home at Compass Point Village is a testament to the transformative nature of supportive housing and community support.
Norma’s life took a tragic turn in 1992 when her daughter was murdered. The pain of that tremendous loss led her to drug use. As a result, she lost her house and her support system. She also distanced herself from her other five children in an attempt to protect them from her lifestyle. She used drugs to numb the pain of what felt like one loss after another. After years of life on the streets, Norma’s health was deteriorating. She was in and out of the hospital several times before it was determined that she needed heart surgery. The doctors told Norma “your heart valves are not pumping, you should be dead.” Despite Norma’s complicated and often painful life, her faith remained unshaken. She made a promise to God that if she survived her heart surgery, she would stay substance-free. True to her word, she woke from surgery with a smile on her face and has remained clean since.
Norma’s path to housing began at Homeward Bound’s AHOPE Day Center when she enrolled in the Coordinated Entry process and it was determined Compass Point Village was the best housing intervention for Norma’s individual needs.
“I’m just grateful, SO GRATEFUL, that Compass Point Village chose me to be a resident.”
Norma thinks Compass Point Village is “a beautiful place” and “everybody here will help you in any way they can.” Norma believes in giving back to the community she now calls home. She wants her new neighbors to know “when they are down, I want to give them a laugh, when they need to talk, I got ears to hear.” Norma’s Case Manager, Erin, has been instrumental to her success, providing assistance with food, medicines, and doctor’s appointments. Norma describes Erin as sweet, kind, and always ready to help.
Norma’s journey home is a powerful reminder of the profound impact safe, stable housing can have for individuals experiencing homelessness. In housing, Norma has found community, support, wellness, and more.
Update on Norma: 5/1/2025
We’re thrilled to share that Norma has graduated from Compass Point Village and transitioned into our Scattered Site program. Case Managers, volunteers, and residents at Compass Point Village all joined in to help Norma move into her brand-new apartment.
We’re proud of Norma and all she’s accomplished, and we’re deeply grateful to our community for supporting Homeward Bound and helping make Compass Point Village a success. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact housing can have for those experiencing homelessness. It’s a testament to Homeward Bound’s mission—and why our work must continue. Thank you.
