Meet our Community: Tina

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Tina and Ed - story this month by Outreach Advocate Emily!

*TW: Drug Abuse, familial loss*

There are certain people in this world who embody pure kindness and light- words that come to mind when I think of Tina. I had the privilege of speaking with her this month and learning about her incredible journey—how she found her way to Thrive and the story that brought her here.

Tina has always seen herself as a caretaker and advocate for others. Over the years, she has cared for foster children, supported family members, raised her three boys, and been there for friends in need. She has a varied background, having worked as a teacher's assistant, run her own housekeeping business, and even owned a construction cleanup company.

About ten years ago, Tina faced a series of devastating losses—multiple deaths in her family that left her feeling as though everything around her was falling apart. During this time, Tina struggled to regain her footing and, unfortunately, fell into drug abuse. This led to her and her husband, Ed, losing their home and everything they had worked so hard for.

Tina recalls this time as one of the darkest in her life. She and Ed spent many nights sleeping outside, often in tents, struggling to meet even the most basic needs like food, showers, or shelter. They moved from place to place, never finding the stability or security they desperately needed. Tina remembers feeling as though she had “lost all purpose and all will to live,” describing herself as “hardly alive, or even a person.” It was only through what she believed was a higher power that she was able to survive this difficult period.

After 10 years on the streets, Tina and Ed made a pivotal decision to become sober. They went through a period of separation as Tina faced incarceration and Ed was staying at a shelter. After beginning their sobriety individually, Tina and Ed reunited, and Tina began focusing on improving her health, which had suffered greatly due to years of trauma and stress. Ed started working, and together, they started searching for stable housing and a fresh start. It was at this point that they were able to connect with Thrive Central Oregon.

When Tina reached out to Thrive for support, she shared that she was simply “tired of being hopeless.” She said, “I knew of Thrive, but I was afraid to reach out. I was scared, and I didn’t think there was anything out there that could help me. I was afraid of being turned away.”

That fear is something so many people carry—and something Thrive works hard to meet with compassion and understanding. When Tina connected with an advocate at Thrive, she felt that she did not have to figure it out alone anymore. Together, they got to work. Over the next few months, Tina and her partner Ed were added to every long-term shelter waitlist they could find. They applied for housing, got connected with essential resources, and had someone in their corner to help them navigate the process.

When a new permanent supportive housing apartment opened in Central Oregon, Tina, Ed, and their Thrive advocate acted quickly. They applied, were approved, and moved into a safe and stable home. Thrive was also able to support them with the deposit—removing one more barrier to securing housing.

Hope looks different for everyone. For Tina and Ed, it started with a phone call to Thrive. Tina truly believes that connecting with Thrive was the turning point for her and Ed. She shared that having someone by her side who genuinely cared made all the difference. “Thrive was there for me constantly and never gave up on us,” she said. “I’m so grateful for that.”

“Thrive was there to show me that people care and I don’t have to go through every step alone.” – Tina

While Thrive was honored to support them along the way, it was Tina and Ed who did the hard work. They chose the path of sobriety. They advocated fiercely for themselves. They showed up, asked questions, applied for resources, and kept moving forward, even when it felt overwhelming. Their courage and persistence were the true catalysts for change.

Tina hopes that by sharing her story, others who feel stuck or uncertain will find the strength to take that first step too.

“Reach out!!! The worst thing that happens is they can say no, but reach out—because there are people who are here to help!” – Tina

Now, as Tina and Ed settle into their new home and begin to build a new chapter together, Tina reflects on just how far they’ve come—and how much her perspective has shifted.

“I have more faith in people, and that there are people out there who care—more than ever now,” she shares. “Thrive showed me there can be light at the end of the tunnel. I know now that I can reach out, and I’ll be met with support. I have the ability to get help when I need it.”

Tina’s journey hasn’t just changed her circumstances—it’s deepened her desire to support others. She knows how hard and isolating the road can feel, and she wants to be a light for others who are still on that path. She now finds meaning in helping her community and advocating for others, offering encouragement and hope wherever she can.

When asked if she had any final thoughts, Tina had this to say to anyone who’s struggling:

“It can be a long and bumpy road, but don’t give up two minutes before your miracle.”

Tina is living proof that things can get better—and that reaching out, even when it’s hard, can open the door to healing, hope, and a fresh start. 

Thank you for sharing your journey Tina ❤️