This past summer, Duane and his sons, Mason and Braydon, visited as many Minnesota history museums as they could access via public transportation. They visited the Mill City Museum, just blocks from People Serving People’s Downtown Shelter, multiple times. Duane shares, “The boys always say they aren’t interested, but once we get there, they have a great time.” Another first for their family: walking over the Stone Arch Bridge, which is also close to the shelter. “I’ve lived in Minnesota my whole life, and I’ve never walked over the bridge until now,” says Duane.
Duane seeks out opportunities to get out and enjoy low-cost and free experiences, not only for his sons, but for his mental health. Duane is anxious that people are looking at him and his family and judging them. “But you can’t let that stop you,” reflects Duane. “People who haven’t been without can even imagine what it’s like to have so little. For most people, when they need groceries, they can just drive to the store and get them. But when you are living week to week, there are times when if you need groceries, you don’t have money to buy them or even money to put gas in your car to get to the store.” And he’s teaching his sons to hold their heads up with pride, too. “I have to show them that they shouldn’t be ashamed. And it’s good for my youngest because he has ASD.”
I want to share my story because I don’t want people to struggle like I’ve had to do.
For Duane, who has had sole custody of his boys, now ages 10 and 13, for many years, making ends meet was possible because he rented a home at a reduced price. However, when his landlord was foreclosed upon and he lost his housing, he couldn’t find anything affordable. Since coming to People Serving People, Duane and his family have taken advantage of all of the wrap-around services. They’ve enjoyed Family Game Nights, Cultural Heritage Celebrations, and the boys regularly enjoy Youth and Teen Night. Duane participates in the Guest Advisory Council and has taken all of the Money on My Mind classes offered. “It’s important. I really appreciate the county’s support; they don’t have to provide shelter, but they do. And here, I feel like I belong and I’m being heard.” An experience he doesn’t always encounter. “I’ve been treated with disdain,” he recalls, reflecting on the judgment he’s faced from those administering benefits or oversight for his boys.
With that support, Duane rests in resilience and connection. He still reads to his sons every night and does “the funny voices.” “Even though they’re older, they still love it,” he says. Another highlight for Duane is that since staying at People Serving People, he now enjoys having a daily cup or two of Earl Grey tea with or without milk.
