Equitable Pathways to Housing

Stepping Stones

by Arnold Johnson and Leanette Perez

Picturing the future:

We are going to have a house. We want French doors. Right now we can’t have a garden. But I am a tree hugger. I love nature. We are appreciative of the help we have received, but we want to progress. We prayed for help, and now that we have it, we have to use it. We are going to start a business making and selling plates. That will be our stepping stone.  

Call to Action

New Hope and other organizations can help you but don’t use it as a crutch. Use it as a stepping stone, but always strive for more. Don’t stay stagnant and settle for anything. 

MORE PHOTOS BY Arnold Johnson and Leanette Perez

  • The Way to Spiderland 

    Remembering the past: Beyond that gate is Spiderland. It is known as an area for homelessness and other things. It is where someone we know got killed. When we went back, we did not fit in anymore. But we liked that we did not fit in. Our past is blocked off now.   (Read more)

  • Our Favorite Part of the House

    Navigating the present: We weren’t able to cook while we were out there. We would fantasize about what we were going to cook. Now we can do that plus we don’t have to do bird baths… We can take showers. The picture in the bowl on the counter was the first photo we could take,… (Read more)

  • Stepping Stones

    Picturing the future: We are going to have a house. We want French doors. Right now we can’t have a garden. But I am a tree hugger. I love nature. We are appreciative of the help we have received, but we want to progress. We prayed for help, and now that we have it, we… (Read more)