It wasn’t that long ago that I thought everything was perfect. I had a beautiful three-bedroom apartment with my son, his family and a man I thought I knew. I was my mom’s full-time caregiver and life was great. Suddenly, overnight, my world crashed in around my ears.
My mom passed away and I was told to leave by the man I had been with for over thirty years. My son and I found ourselves with nowhere to go during the height of COVID.
From November, 2020, to October, 2023, I found myself bouncing from couch to couch to couch, battling anxiety, depression and regular panic attacks. I went to Texas, then to Alabama, then back to Texas, where I completely surrendered myself to God, saying, “God, I can’t do this anymore. I give myself to you. Help me do what I need to get back on my feet.” After a year there, I went back to Alabama, to help my son, but found I needed more help.
I found myself on a Greyhound bus, heading back to New Hampshire, where I made up my mind that if I could get back to Keene, and get help with shelter, I would be able to do what I needed to do to get back on my feet.
I started calling Hundred Nights, hoping a bed would eventually open up, and it did! That day, things finally started to turn around for me and it was the best decision I made! From the day I arrived until the day I left, they were the best support system I have ever known! They were my cheerleaders, even when I messed up my knee and had to use a walker for several weeks. Miss Rebecca was amazing by helping me secure food stamps and medical coverage. When I ran into a problem trying to get my ID, because my name had been legally changed, Rebecca hunted down a copy of the document I needed from the court. Problem solved! Miss Rose…..Oh, what an amazing person! She took me out when I needed something and couldn’t get there on my own. The volunteers, Judy, Julie, Nancy and others, each of them deserves a shout out for the amazing work they do!
Each of the staff at Hundred Nights are caring and special! They give of themselves, tirelessly, to the residents and guests that come in off the streets. Hundred Nights was my home for about six months, and they helped me in so many ways. Each of them has a heart for the people that are current guests and visitors, too. They provide many services and are ready to help! But the catch is-the guests need to be willing to help themselves and work for what they need to improve their lives. I would recommend Hundred Nights to anyone that finds themselves experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness. Way to go Team Hundred Nights! ~ Nyetta “Nettie” Wade
(P.S. ~ Nettie moved to Canada in April 2024, got engaged and was married to Kenny, who calls her “Lovable”, in September, 2024. Nettie is loving her life and on a recent phone call, she said, “I’ve got my wings, and I’m flying high!”.)
