December 21st marks the longest night of the year, when darkness arrives early and the cold settles in and stays. For many across Massachusetts, this night is not just the first day of winter, but another night spent without a warm or safe place to sleep.
Long winter nights can be life-threatening for anyone without housing, heat, or support. For people experiencing homelessness, like Jennifer, the longest night can also be the most dangerous.
After a financial setback and eviction, Jennifer lost nearly everything. She stayed at a nearby motel for a short time and when she could no longer afford to pay, motel staff drove her to Action Inc.’s Emergency Shelter.
“I didn’t know anything,” Jennifer said. “I just knocked on the door and thought, okay, what do I do now?” Instead of another closed door, Jennifer found care, dignity, and a path forward.
“Everybody here knows everything about my situation, and they never made me feel bad about any of it,” she said. “Every single morning, I wake up and I’m so thankful I fell into this. I had no idea anything like this was out there.”
Staff helped Jennifer navigate her debt, reconnect with her former landlord, and access health coverage she didn’t know she qualified for. “I couldn’t even summon the strength to call,” she said. “I was terrified. But Action made me feel comfortable again.”
Then came the moment she never expected.
“Two days ago, Peter [Souza, Action Inc.’s Director of Housing Services], came to the shelter and said, ‘I’ve got a place.’ I was so shocked,” she said. After months of uncertainty, she finally had stable housing.
Jennifer’s experience has changed not only her circumstances, but the way she sees others. “It’s been very humbling,” she said. “I always used to just turn my head. Now, I see how many people here are struggling and how many people are willing to help.”
This winter, Jennifer will not spend the longest night of the year out in the cold. Many others on Cape Ann will not be so fortunate.
The longest night of the year, also known as National Homeless Person’s Memorial Day, honors those lives lost due to homelessness. At Action Inc., it is a reminder of our commitment to the belief that housing is a human right. To learn more about this national day of remembrance, click here: https://endhomelessness.org/blog/on-homeless-persons-m\emorial-day-from-mourning-to-mission/