Meet Ricki.
Ricki is 21-years old and has been fending for herself, homeless or in prison since she was 15 years old. A few months ago she walked through the doors of the Bishop Dudley House and that’s when her story started to change.
Originally from Texas, Ricki found herself caught up in the wrong crowd and in prison with a felony drug charge at the age of 18. When she was released from prison, her family didn’t want anything to do with her because of her drug use and prison record. She was officially on the streets, but Ricki had been taking care of herself by working multiple jobs since she was 15. Experiencing homelessness in Texas and Colorado, she said the most difficult challenge is having no access to clean clothing, showers and personal hygiene products. It prevented her from getting job interviews.
Eventually, Ricki saved money and headed to South Dakota, her boyfriend’s home state. However, their car broke down in Sioux Falls. After a stint on the streets, she turned to the Bishop Dudley House for help. Immediately she knew things were different here. She describes it as clean, supportive with access to many resources like showers which made her feel normal again. “It’s just a nice giant house with lots of people,” she says. Wearing clean clothes and new confidence, within just a couple of weeks she’s landed two jobs!
Ricki says Bishop Dudley House has “meant the world” to her, is proud of herself and has been promoted to Manager at her full-time job. Moving forward, she is submitting apartment applications. She knows she may have some challenges because her felony conviction, but is optimistic about her future. After getting an apartment and furniture her next goal is to get a car.
Ricki wants people to know that homeless doesn’t mean hopeless. She has been clean for 3 years and has so much life to look forward to. We are proud of Ricki, her hard work and determination. She is definitely one to watch!