Matthew M. — Never Give Up

Matthew grew up on the South Shore of Massachusetts. His parents divorced when he was eight years old. Money was tight and his family moved frequently. Matthew attended two different high schools and never felt connected to any particular “hometown.”

Once in college, Matthew enlisted in the United States Army Reserve. “I enlisted in the Army Reserve as a way to grow emotionally, build career skills and work to a stronger future,” Matthew says. “I made some great connections there and had fantastic experiences.”

While serving in the Army Reserve, Matthew experienced homelessness. “Because I wasn’t on active duty at the time, I was living with my mother and stepfather,” he says. “They expected me to help pay the mortgage, but I wasn’t earning enough money to be able to afford it, so they kicked me out of the house.”

Matthew went to a local shelter where he stayed for several weeks before getting an apartment at Pine Street’s veterans home in Chelsea, where he has lived for the last six months. “I’m glad that I’m in a community with others who have served,” Matthew says. “The other tenants are great, the building is peaceful and the staff here are responsive to our needs. They work to build community through house meetings, shared meals and other activities.”

Currently, Matthew is working as a residence counselor at a human services organization. “I chose a career where I could help people and make a difference because I wanted to be able to give back. Working in this field is very rewarding,” Matthew says.

“One of the things that I learned about being in the Army was to never give up,” Matthew says. “You’ve got to keep grinding. Now that I’m settled into my apartment, I’m more able to plan. I’m thinking about going back to school and getting my master’s degree in counseling, and my long-term goal is to one day own my home.”