CADILLAC -- Many communities are struggling with homelessness as the cost of living continues its trend upward, including here in Northern Michigan, where the housing market is tight.
Homelessness can be isolating and scary but what about those who are employed and still homeless.
26-year-old Robert Powell has struggled with homelessness for about four years.
“It’s been real hard. And nobody gives you a chance out here. They judge you right off the bat just because you’re homeless,” said Powell.
He said his struggle has gotten worse, since losing a leg from a hit and run accident three and a half years ago in Oklahoma.
“I’ve put in over 40 applications to get a job, and every single one of them would turn me down or deny me,” said Powell.
Powell did finally get an employer who was willing to give him a chance, being a prep cook 20 hours a week at Clam Lake Beer Company in Cadillac, but it’s still not enough to make ends meet.
He said transportation has been problematic at times, but his employer has been understanding.
“I honestly could have lost my job like a week ago, but, Josh, he’s an awesome dude, and he really runs the place more like a family. He treats us like family and got your back,” said Powell.
Powell said he’s on the cusp of getting an RV, it’s getting repaired right now and living in his car will soon be a thing of the past.
“I’ve been outside just trying to get through the night. Trying not to get frostbite, freeze to death, living in a vehicle. It gets cold. It’s been down negative four degrees, negative eight degrees,” said Powell.
Another homeless man, Jose Reyes is also on the verge of getting a place he can call home.
He said his homelessness started as a result of one bad decision, and it cost him everything.
“I got pulled over by the police for driving while visibly impaired. And, got 35 days. And in those 35 days, I lost everything. My apartment, my family, everything, my car,” said Reyes.
Luckily Reyes was able to keep his license and eventually get another vehicle, one he sleeps in when nearby shelters are closed.
He said he’s fortunate thanks to people like his current employer, Richie Construction.
Reyes said he’ll be moving into an apartment next week, as part of an arrangement, where he’ll work on the apartment in exchange for rent. He said hopes to never be homeless again.
“The most damaging to your heart and soul, it’s the thoughts that come in when you’re outside sleeping with nothing. I really got lucky. I got a lot of homeless friends, and they haven’t been as lucky as me,” said Reyes.