Healing at Endeavors Residence
Nicole Finds Catholic Charities Twin Cities
Born in Australia, Nicole moved to the United States to pursue her college education. She earned a psychology degree with honors from St. Cloud State University and had dreams of becoming a marriage and family therapist.
But in 2019, a difficult breakup with a long-term partner triggered a downward spiral. “I suffer from depression, and it just spiraled out of control,” Nicole shared. She lost her job after missing too many days of work and lost her housing after falling behind on rent. Nicole had nowhere else to go and began living out of her car. She stayed with friends when possible but experienced homelessness for almost two years.
While staying in her car, Nicole’s life changed forever. She was the victim of a violent assault that left her partially paralyzed. She spent months in the hospital and barely survived. At the hospital, Nicole was referred to a Catholic Charities medical respite program, which provides a place to stay for people who would otherwise be discharged to the street. It was there she began her journey toward stability.
Joining a New Community
Nicole was hesitant about the program. “I was terrified—I’d never been in a wheelchair, and I didn’t have any friends downtown,” she admitted. Despite her fears, she found compassionate support from staff there. “My case manager was amazing, she would knock on my door every morning to make sure I was okay,” Nicole said. In 2022, Catholic Charities opened Endeavors Residence in Minneapolis — a supportive housing program that provides 173 apartments for single adults and veterans who have experienced homelessness. Nicole was one of the first people to move into the new building.
One of the things Nicole values most at Endeavors Residence is the community she discovered there. “If I was in a different apartment building, I’d be lucky to know one or two neighbors,” she shared, “I know everyone here, and I know they’ll help if I need it.”
Nicole also found comfort through adopting a support animal, a cat named Daisy. “She’s the best thing that’s happened to me in years,” Nicole said.
“Catholic Charities has helped me get to a place where I can start thinking about the future again.”
Looking Towards the Future
Reflecting on her journey, Nicole emphasized how homelessness can happen to anyone. “I couldn’t even fathom what homelessness looked like until I became homeless,” she said. “It really is just one thing after another . . . you miss rent, and suddenly, you’re evicted.
Programs like Endeavors provide more than just a roof over someone’s head; they offer a place to heal and resources for people to get where they want to be.
Nicole’s resilience shines through as she continues to rebuild her life. While she faces ongoing challenges, she’s determined to move forward. “Catholic Charities has helped me get to a place where I can start thinking about the future again,” she said.
