Chris’ Story

A beacon of hope — Chris Boyd, a Veteran, along with his family accessed the Veterans Services program at Transition Projects. Chris grew up in the St. Johns neighborhood in Portland and enlisted in the Navy in 2006 where he trained as a cryptologist (the study of codes). After military service, he returned to Portland and married his wife, Orella, in 2015. They have a beautiful family with four very bright and energetic children between the ages of 1 and 9 years old.

The family shared an apartment with Chris’ brother, but moved out in 2019 for their safety when his brother refused to pay rent and became hostile. They stayed with other family members and in motels… but eventually the Boyd family were forced to live in their car. They were on a family shelter waitlist and ultimately got in 10 months later. Due to Chris’ military experience, the shelter suggested they contact Transition Projects’ Veterans Services program to get help finding permanent housing.

This is where Veteran housing case managers come in! We help Veterans experiencing homelessness or who are on the verge of homelessness gain and maintain safe, stable permanent housing. We connect Veteran participants to healthcare, food, transportation, income development, and community resources equipping them to lead the enriched, meaningful, and connected lives they deserve.

In 2019, the Boyd family moved back into an apartment after accessing case management and housing assistance programs. With the stability of safe housing, they thrived with the Veterans Services program helping with rent and utilities when needed. As Chris said, ”We are forever grateful to this program for helping us stay off the streets.”

Unfortunately, in February 2024, Chris was laid off from his job and they were left with no income. After reaching out to Transition Projects again, we worked closely with their landlord, providing rental and utilities assistance, stopping the eviction that threatened to make their family homeless once again. Chris worked diligently to find new employment utilizing our income development guidance and in August 2024, Chris was employed — he is now even being considered for a promotion.

The Veterans Services program helped the Boyd family move forward to begin the next chapter of their lives — helping Chris find a job while keeping a roof over his family’s head when times were difficult. As Chris reminds us, it is Orella who supported him mentally, spiritually, and orients him towards goal setting — he does not have to do it alone.

Today, Chris and Orella have much to be thankful for! Please consider supporting Transition Projects, as we help families like the Boyd’s who have worked hard to move forward successfully on their journey from homeless to housing.