This month we met with Drew to learn more about him and his experience working with Thrive Central Oregon. Drew has lived in Oregon for 3 years and recently moved into an apartment in Prineville. He is a hand radio operator and some of his favorite things to do include camping, metal detecting, and electrical repair. 

When asked what circumstances brought Drew to Thrive, he said, “I was homeless and had moved here from Salem. When I got here, I discovered that Bend was not the town I thought it was. Things, such as the cost of living, have changed severely.” Drew said he reached a breaking point when he was camping and felt unsafe. He contacted Thrive for help and stayed in temporary housing for approximately 8 months. He worked hard with Rachel to apply to wait lists in Central Oregon and moved into an apartment early this year.

Drew’s goal when he came to meet with Thrive was to find suitable housing. Drew has worked primarily with Rachel to complete housing applications and locate resources for phone and energy bills. When discussing the housing navigation that Drew has worked on with Rachel, he said, “You must be patient and go with the flow until something comes up.” When asked about his experience working with Rachel, Drew said, “She is so awesome. I will never be able to thank her enough.”

Drew’s advice for the community is, “Don’t give up. Don’t take the easy way out. I have seen the worst and I’ve seen the best. Don’t give up. Don’t allow other people or things to take you down to the point where you’re doing the wrong thing. Hold your head up high and ask for help.” When asked how his perspective has changed since working with Thrive, he said, “I don’t know if you can hear it in my voice or not, but my attitude has become quite different and that is because of the advocates and people I have worked with.”

Drew’s favorite quote that he wanted to share is: 

Thank you Drew for sharing your story!