Another Way Testimonials
In this impersonal and institutional world so many have no friends or family, so many have no home, while we can't yet provide full time dwelling units -- rooming houses boarding houses, tiny houses and efficiency apartments -- we can offer a place that feels like home and welcomes every one unless you wear out your welcome by bad behavior. That said we are human and often damaged, neglected, and abused, so there is some reasonable space to work with someone before that happens. Here at Another Way it is a sanctuary from a troubled and broken system, a place of rest, nourishment for the body and the mind, where poetry, art, music, can be freely expressed and human connection can be fostered. Another Way is Home.
“I love knowing that there is a place I can go when I don't want to be alone. A place where I feel accepted and like I matter. I think this is a pretty basic need for all people but that it's getting increasingly hard to find.
“If I couldn't come to Another Way, I'd probably spend that time in my living room alone, doom scrolling on my phone. Then I could spend an hour a week telling a therapist that this is a depressing way to spend my time. You know what's a better way to support mental health? Being able to drop in and share a meal with people, sit on a couch and have a conversation, or just read a book, content to be in a familiar space where people know who I am.”
“What surprises me the most about Another Way is that there aren't more spaces like this.”
“No one has to fill out forms to qualify to come here. No one has to have a label. You aren't expected to be at your best, make an appointment, or have something to offer. Because a transactional community isn't really a community. As long as you can respect other people, you're welcome to come by. So when I'm here, I get to talk to people with all different interests and experiences.”
"When society projects a way of life that gives people no way out and creates no hope, then society is creating violence. I've seen so many people end up overdosing or in prison. But if Another Way wasn't here, it would be so many more people just giving up. Because where would they go? You go outside, you freeze. I see people come through here who are so overwhelmed, they don't see an alternative and they don't have hope. But they can come to Another Way."
“Companionship keeps you sane. “
“It's a nice place to do sewing, a place to get a snack. I initially came here just to hang out but then I found I could be of service to people, so that's part of the reason now.”
“They are excellent at understanding what peer support is and at meeting people where they are at within the mission.”
“Peer support means being able to listen to what a person is going through and to being able to relate it to one's own experience. Also being able to find resources and other ways to meet people's needs. For example, many people need housing but as a community center, AW doesn't have the resources to provide that. So a lot of times it will provide advocacy and work with shelters and other organizations. In that way, AW gets around its lack of funding for housing and gets people's needs met in that way.”
“I became homeless on November 1st of last year. I'd heard so much about this place that I thought I'd give it a shot and I never left.”
“I like the people. I met my best friend here, who is also a staff member. It's mostly quiet. They've helped me with a lot of things, like getting IDs and other things that I never would have gotten if I hadn't shown up.”
“I get to come here and write; I'm writing a novel. I've had the chance to grow a lot and make incredible friends.”
(If Another Way weren’t here. “I don't think I'd be alive and if I was alive I don't think I'd be doing alright”
Why do you come here?
“I come here so I stop drinking, so I don’t drink.”
“The quiet meditative space. Keeps me out of trouble. Cozy…laughter.”
“A place for quiet, for friendship, access to mail, as well as social interaction if wanted.”
“Access to internet, clothes, and showering is always nice.”
“The staff and ED are very helpful and welcoming.”
This place helps me not to cut, not to take pills
Helps me not to have suicide thoughts
No self-harm
This place helps me
When I come to Monty, I can see
everyone I know
You guys are supporters for me and help me (get) what I want
What is AW?
It’s like a house they don’t know they have yet. A sanctuary they haven’t discovered yet. Not exactly a temple, but almost a temple. Rules and guidelines are there for the safety of us all. Like at a temple. Set of rules for betterment.
They don’t know it yet, but this is their home.
I feel like this is God’s house, one of his many homes. How many places like this exist, not many, given the need. Don’t fight here, come here for clothing, we come here to get showers, to feel love. Reminds me of what my Mom used to tell me heaven would like that. This place resembles that.
(The house is) used to change people’s lives. People here are soldiers, angels. As long as policy is observed, the house functions really well here.
How we handle those situations. How we handle those things, better than it could be. I come from a place where shootings just happen (over conflicts.) Fights get resolved pretty damned well here.
I love this place.
People that are knee-deep in their psychological situation come here are. They are likely to be agitated. We work with them. (Sometimes) after hate speech, after being asked to leave the property, they apologize. “No you’re good brother.”
“Succumbing to feeling beaten, battered, and bruised, I found myself at Another Way in July of 2023 after a rough period and then the devastating flood. I was staying in a location without hot water, and the homeowner showed me Another Way, where I could take a warm shower, unlike at her residence. I immediately fell in love with the place and met many different individuals there. I enjoy going to Another Way and having someone greet me with a smile even before I get my coffee. They call my name because they want to talk, and even on the streets, members from Another Way approach me to vent about their lives. I have helped many people in various ways, all thanks to a member of the Another Way team who took the time to help me fill out countless forms. This support resulted in me obtaining a livable dwelling, a caseworker, and much-needed surgery. I love engaging with community members and hearing about their troubles. I’ve been known to give advice, and some individuals have come back to share that they are now in a much better place. At Another Way, having access to showers and food is crucial, and it is always met with a caring smile. I know all too well what it feels like to hit rock bottom, and still digging myself out. Another Way saved my life in more ways than one. I am currently assisting another member in obtaining housing, getting him to the doctor, and I even have the blessing of this individual's mother. I take great joy in helping many members and volunteering my time to coach or simply listen to those who need to vent and grow. If Another Way didn’t exist, I don’t think I would have made it through not only this past winter season but also the one before it. I am now housed and have been able to receive life-saving surgery and obtain a new primary care physician and psychiatrist. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the Another Way employee who dedicated her time to help me, and I will always be grateful. I continue to assist those experiencing mental distress and homelessness, as everyone has their own battles, many dealing with PTSD. Numerous members approach me while I’m out and about, mostly to update me on their circumstances and to let me know that they care and are thought of.”
--Marlena Allsop
