Calvin — This is Home

Calvin, now 61 years old, was one of over a dozen siblings. Throughout his childhood, his parents struggled with poverty and the pressures of providing for a large family. Eventually, the financial strain led to substance use disorder for his parents.

Due to the instability at home, Calvin and his siblings were sent to live with extended family throughout the country. Despite being scattered across several states over those years, Calvin always considered Boston his home.

Calvin recalls when he became homeless as a young adult and first sought help from Pine Street Inn. “I always knew it was a well-organized place,” Calvin says. “I could count on Pine Street to help when I had nowhere else to turn.” When he needed support again later in his life, Calvin already knew that Pine Street would be there for him.

When he came to Pine Street’s Men’s Inn for the second time, Calvin was struggling with substance use disorder from the impacts of years of unstable housing and street homelessness. With the support of Pine Street staff, Calvin moved into Pine Street’s permanent supportive housing, and he has not looked back.

“I love this place,” Calvin says. “When I got here, I had only one set of clothes. Now I’ve built a life of my own. I’m so grateful to Pine Street for that. This is my HOME.” 

Having a place to call home has given Calvin the stability that he needed. Now in recovery from his addiction, Calvin has worked with his case manager to develop the skills needed to manage his bills and responsibilities — including being there for his children and his many happy grandchildren. 

Calvin is proud of his growing family and thankful for the opportunity to be a present parent and grandfather. Calvin says, “I’m working on getting my own apartment so I can have a bigger space for my family. I made it this far thanks to Pine Street, Now, it’s time for me to give back. For anyone who is struggling out there, don’t give up! There are good people who are there to help.”