Meet Marian!

Marian joined the Army in 1980, right after graduating from high school. She was in the 223rd Aviation Battalion and was stationed in Germany. Serving through 1983, she was a medical assistant and a missile range assistant.  When Marian returned to the United States, she married and accepted a job at the Department of Transportation. In 1991, Marian became a full-time homemaker, caring for her 5 young children.

Marian divorced in 2004 and stated that from 2004 through 2009 she was in a “really rough period”. She found herself homeless during that time and living in and out of shelters. She said she spent time in Norma Herr Women’s Center, the West Side Catholic Center, and the VA Domiciliary.

It wasn’t until 2013 when a case worker asked if she ever served in the military, that Marian found out she was eligible for case management and other assistance from the VA. Marian moved into EDEN's South Pointe Commons and lived inside the Permanent Supportive Housing complex for a few years before relocating to an apartment through EDEN located down the street. She is currently working two part-time jobs: one at a dry cleaners, and the other and a Subway Sandwich shop. When asked how Permanent Supportive Housing has helped to improve her life, Marian said: “It kept me stable and got me off the streets.”

Marian’s advice for other people facing homelessness is that “Your personality will take you a long way if you have the right attitude.”  She also mentioned that has used United Way’s 211 telephone resource service many times, and affirmed that it “is a great free resource that everyone should utilize.”

Marian says she likes working, but is also looking to retire in 7 years when she is 66. She has 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.