Arnold Johnson is a 42-year-old Black American from Cutler Bay who has secured stable housing with a voucher after experiencing homelessness with his long-term partner of 11 years. With some college education and extensive work experience including roles as a Home Shopping Network representative, Arnold now focuses on managing his health. After losing personal belongings and his prosthetic leg during an encampment sweep, Arnold rebuilt his life with support from New Hope and Camillus Health, drawing on his disability income and the strong support system he’s built with his partner. Taking an active role in his healthcare and community, Arnold demonstrates resilience and determination as he moves forward in stable housing.
Leannette Perez is a 34-year-old Hispanic woman from Cutler Bay who has secured stable housing after experiencing homelessness with her long-term partner of 11 years. Having earned two associate degrees despite facing early challenges including growing up in an unstable environment where she had to fend for herself, Leannette has worked various jobs throughout her career. After leaving an unstable housing situation and navigating periods of homelessness, Leannette has successfully transitioned to stable housing where she is thriving. With her educational background and determination, Leannette continues to build a stable life with her partner while focusing on her health and personal goals.
Photo Gallery
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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)
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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)
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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)