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Venus Marshall, 36, says there was a constant "noise" she associated with being unhoused.
 

"Everyone on the street had a bag and a story,"

Many had lost their jobs or homes, and families. It was a life of surfing couches and sleeping on benches, where she was often robbed and even assaulted.

Unable to work, she sought to escape that noise, attempting to navigate various agencies alone with no luck. Obtaining a Chestnut Health Systems case manager was not her first plan of attack, but it was the move that materialized some opportunities.

Once established at Chestnut, her case manager connected her to resources and eventually to Chestnut's supportive housing where people with severe mental health challenges can live independently with the assistance of Chestnut staff.

"When I first got here, I was a timid and shy person. I really had no intention of making any friends. I was going to stay to myself, I was determined! My determination didn't last long.”

She shared she quickly fell in love with the staff and her neighbors. Her life has quieted down. Now she relishes calm mornings with coffee and looks forward to group therapy sessions.

"Group is not always easy. Every day there is a new story. It's nice to be able to build that bond. I'm happy here. People come by and check on me. I've never had people go out of the way for me and it is really nice."

Marshall can receive primary care when the Chestnut mobile exam vehicle stops at the location. All services provided at the supportive housing location, including the group therapy sessions, are covered under Medicaid and The Department of Housing and Urban Development covers the rental subsidy assistance.

Marshall sees her quiet life in jeopardy and there is anxiety in her voice when she talks about the potential for Medicaid cuts.

"It's a scary time for a lot of people who need healthcare," she said, calling the potential impact "disastrous."