Winona's Story

Winona had a hard childhood. She was raised in multiple foster homes starting when she was just an infant. At the age of 17, she became pregnant and got married. Winona had two children with her husband. After her children grew up, the couple separated and Winona became homeless, living in shelters, hotels, and a rooming house. Without stable housing and with nowhere else to turn, she moved into her daughter’s apartment for several years. Circumstances changed and Winona was once again homeless.

Winona applied and was accepted to N Street Village’s Erna’s House – a Housing First model program that provides permanent supportive housing for women with histories of chronic homelessness

For the first time in many years, Winona now has her own apartment where she feels safe and secure with newfound happiness.

Not only does Winona have stable housing, she also enjoys the caring community that N Street Village provides.

“We have game nights and sometimes we just sit around and talk.”

With an apartment of her own, Winona can now focus on managing her chronic health conditions, and she is hoping to go back to school to get her GED. She enjoys playing cards and singing in the choir at her church. Winona has also reconnected with her children and loves to spend time with her four grandchildren.