Melody: “Don’t Ever Give Up”

The stories of people who have experienced homelessness are filled with courageous people who faced countless challenges with dignity and grace, persevering until they found a home of their own.

Melody can relate.

It’s one of many reasons why she has joined our Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB), which was formed so that Abode can improve the quality of  our after receiving feedback from those who have experienced homelessness.

Melody’s personal journey is marked by trauma from child abuse and battles with mental health. These challenges led her to experience homelessness until she gained housing in Alameda County in 2021.

Having a secure apartment has made all the difference in allowing Melody to transform her life, she said.  

“I have a roof over my head, I have enough food, I’m paying off debts, and I’m no worried about being homeless anymore,” Melody said. “It’s made a big difference.”

She loves her East Bay neighborhood, including her church where she has made good friends. Socializing with friendly people and seeing familiar faces has added to her growing sense of stability.

Melody said she now has the time and resources to focus on her next career steps. One of her goals is to serve her community by speaking in support of improved mental health care and access to affordable housing, as well as advocating for people who live without a home.  

“I’m just one person but I’d like to see improvemements for people who grapple with mental health and homelessness,” she said.

As a LEAB member, Melody said she is learning a lot from her colleagues. However, she also is excited to use her life experience to give her input to help people who facing problems from being unhoused.

Melody said there are many misconceptions about people who are experiencing homelessness. The reality is a lot more complicated than some people think, she said.

“A lot of people just need a little help,” she said.

People want to be housed but they might be dealing with a disability or perhaps they’re unaware about a job program or housing qualification that could connect them to an affordable home. Her advice to people experiencing homelessness is to persevere, no matter how much adversity one faces.

“Call shelters, call programs, call nonprofits. Be persistent and call everyday,” she said. “Don’t ever give up.”