This story is part of a series published in recognition of Supportive Housing Week, highlighting programs in Douglas County that combine affordable housing with services to help people maintain stability, improve their health and live independently. We are grateful to those who have agreed to share their experiences to show how this investment is making an impact.

Mary Rodriguez, a wellness and support advocate employed by Mental Health of America Heartland, works with homeless individuals who have received a voucher through Douglas County’s Flexible Housing Pool program.

This year, the County Commission allocated $932,000 for the program to serve up to 30 households annually. Vouchers can be used for rent and utility assistance as well as case management and other items such as beds, chairs and dishes.

Rodriguez said clients will tell her what they need, and she then reaches out to resources like 100 Good Women, Lawrence Habitat for Humanity’s Restore and Ready for Good.

“We try to stretch that dollar,” she said.

Once individuals get housed, Rodriguez said they work on accessing case management and mental health resources.

“The goal is to get them to be as independent as possible,” she said.

Rodriguez described how program funds helped a man move from a bug-infested home to a clean apartment. She said he was having nightmares and living in fear because of the infestation caused by his neighbors and environment.

It took months to gain his trust. Rodriguez said she understood his hesitation because she had once been homeless herself. During the interview, she pointed to a backpack.

“It has taken a long time for me to be able to place that backpack over there, and not have it on my back,” she said.

The man eventually moved to a new place and then trusted Rodriguez enough to let her help pick out some furnishings.

“It was so amazing and so remarkable,” she said. “The turnaround that everybody witnessed, and the pride that he was taking in saying, ‘This is my home.’” 

The man later told Rodriguez said that the sudden, overwhelming support had scared him. 

Rodriguez said everybody’s story is different and unique. 

“How you approach this work has to be as flexible and unique as possible,” she said. “Everybody has a different level of acceptance and avoidance. Slowly, you start making that rapport and let them know that they are worthy to be treated in a dignified and respectful manner.”