Deric is a resident at one of Simpson’s single adult housing communities. Engaging in conversation with neighbors, he is friendly and light-hearted with his sense of humor shining through. Deric’s actions speak as loud as his words. He is a leader, and an ever-present member of the housing community, participating in activities and offering a helping hand. Easy-going and a quiet observer at times, he also brings a positive energy to the community. He jams out to his music, singing along as he listens to his headphones in the hallway.
Deric has persevered through significant barriers throughout his 47 years. He was born in Chicago and grew up in the Cabrini-Greene public housing project. As an adult, he moved to be near his two sisters and experience a new life in Minnesota, which he describes as a place of abundant resources and opportunity. Deric lived with his sisters, couch-hopped at the homes of friends, and later experienced unsheltered homelessness for a period of two years.
“I didn’t have anywhere to go,” says Deric.
Deric found shelter at the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Center in Minneapolis. After two long two years in the congregate living situation, Deric’s name came up on the Section 8 waiting list, and he found his home with Simpson.
For nearly two years, Deric has participated in Simpson’s Opportunity Housing Partnership (OHP) program, one of the agency’s three housing programs that provide housing stability and resources to single adults experiencing homelessness. Receiving a Section 8 housing subsidy, he pays 30% of his income toward his housing costs and sets aside the remainder for living expenses and savings.
Deric appreciates his housing stability and partnership with Simpson’s Resident Connections Coordinator Laura Willodson. An independent person, he meets with Laura occasionally for assistance with housing appointments and paperwork, and he seeks support with personal issues as needed.
“It’s nice here. It’s comfortable, I don’t have any worries. “They help me out with whatever I need,” he says.
In recent months, Deric has found Laura to be an especially helpful sounding board following the devastating and sudden loss of his cherished sister Tricia.
“The loss of my sister was really hard,” he shares.
Deric values the connections and companionship he has found in the housing community, especially during this time of COVID-19 and personal loss. He is grateful for the time he spends with his fiancé, who also has an apartment in the building, and the presence of his two energetic kittens BeeBee — and Tricia, named after his beloved sister.
“I got these kittens the same week that my sister died. They have kept me busy and helped me a lot,” he says.
Deric is greatly appreciated by the staff and residents in the housing community:
“He is always ready and willing to help,” says Laura. Deric receives the weekly food donations from Twin Cities Food Justice on Sundays, when I am not here, and makes sure all the food is put away. He’s at all of our community activities, including our socially distanced summer Neighborhood Night Out as the event DJ. He watches out and helps people. He is level-headed and very caring. I can always count on Deric.”
“I cover it all,” adds Deric with a smile. I appreciate all the love and respect I get from everyone at Simpson.”