We are extremely proud of our very own Front Steps resident, Norine Ciaio, for winning an award at the Ohio Writer's Conference in Columbus. Enjoy Norine's story:

I used to be homeless. I used to live in a shelter called Norma Herr. I was homeless most of my life from the age of 28 until I was 40. While I was homeless, I felt less than and unwanted. I also felt disrespected. For example, when people would ignore me when I asked a question or even if I asked how they were doing. I would not get an answer.

I tried to live on my own, but I couldn't, so I stayed at the shelter. I had a case manager and she saw what an improvement I had made, so she said it's time to move on. So she had me meet the intake specialist of THI which stands for Transitional Housing Inc. I then filled out my application for housing. I then had gotten an interview on February 14, 2014 and within three weeks I got my discharge date which was March 7, 2014.

Now I have successfully moved out of the shelter system. I have not had to return for any reason. I can actually hold a conversation with someone and they don't look at me with a strange expression on their face. I also get a pleasant response from them. I am treated with respect and dignity. I also have to say that the staff who work with the clients are very respectable toward us. They also pick us up when we are feeling down. They don't talk to us with disrespect and they treat us like we are somebody and that means a lot, especially to me.

Front Steps Housing and Services is now permanent supportive housing, which means I don't ever have to leave and I can finally say I have a home. Since I now live on my own, my health has also gotten a lot better too. I don't go to the hospital so much. I am now enrolled in G.E.D. class at Merrick House. Now all I have to do is accomplish my goal and get my G.E.D. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me get to where I am today.

Norine during social hour at Front Steps

Norine down in Columbus about to accept her award