R. Marie has one of the most powerful stories of triumph over tragedy that many of us at Urban Alchemy have ever heard. Her journey into homelessness began in November 2020, stemming from a three-year-long abusive relationship. Locked up and held captive, any attempt to escape was dismissed as her being "crazy" or off medication, keeping her under the control of her tormentor. It wasn't until November 2021 that she found the courage to break free, even if it meant risking her life.
R. Marie fought fiercely to secure her freedom, resulting in her incarceration and the loss of her home. The justice system failed to protect her and when she was released, she had nowhere to go. She lived on the streets with serious health problems, mobility issues, and severe PTSD. R. Marie became an easy target for exploitation on the streets and became very disoriented. Some days, she struggled to grasp the date, let alone her exact location. R. Marie continued to be subjected to violence by her ex as well as individuals who took advantage of her vulnerabilities.
R. Marie's life took a turn when an outreach worker named Laurel made contact and convinced her to give one of Urban Alchemy’s Safe Rest Villages a chance. Initially skeptical of the staff at Urban Alchemy, R. Marie struggled to believe in their genuine concern for her well-being. Urban Alchemy management worked to find the appropriate care coordinator for R. Marie. Through countless seizures, emotional outbursts, and moments of vulnerability, trust slowly blossomed. The Safe Rest Village has become a place where she feels secure, a feeling she had never experienced before. Despite grappling with the fear of moving into her own housing, she is comforted by the knowledge that Urban Alchemy will stand by her every step of the way.