MCCAC Helps Houseless Shelter Guest Find Employment and Get Access to Healthcare Services
“I’ve been able to stand tall again.” - Colton Perry
Colton Perry, age 30 enjoying the sunshine and some shade at the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council non-congregate shelter.
By Cole Goodwin
Editors Note: This is Part 3 of a 3-part series featuring MCCAC Shelter guests. Follow the links to read parts 1 and 2.
Meet Colton Perry, age 30, he/she/they
I’m sitting in the Mid-Columbia Community Action Staff Trailer, having just finished up two interviews with MCCAC shelter guests when a thin person, adorned in an airy kimono and starry silver jewelry enters the room. They sit down on the bench across from me, folding their hands in their lap.
I’m feeling a bit tired from the back to back interviews, but I introduce myself and tell them about our mission at CCCNews to lift up marginalized voices in the community.
Then I ask them about their jewelry.
“I made it myself,” they say in a soft voice, smiling and looking both proud and shy at the same time. “I love fashion. I live for it.”
“I have so many clothes,” Colton says, smiling. “ They’re always telling me to downsize.”
“I sense self-expression is very important to you,” I reply.
“Not just important,” says Colton “It’s vital to me. And not just for me either. We’re all here. We’re all suffering. I mean, why don’t we just make the world better for everybody? It all starts with you, me and everyone just caring a little bit more.”
“That’s a very buddhist perspective,” I observe.
A look of surprise crosses her face.
“That’s my faith!” she says, looking pleased.
I ask Colton to tell me a little bit more about herself.
“I’m an INFJT”, Colton says, referring to his test results from the 16 Personalities Test, formerly known as the Myers Briggs Personality test.
INFJT, also known as the ‘The Advocate personality’ stands for Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging, and Turbulent. Advocate personalities are known for wanting to be a force for good that makes a difference in the world.
“I’m a Libra through and through, so I’m always campaigning for equality. We all got to love each other and be equal.” he says.
Colton discloses that they also identify as queer.
“I use he/she/they pronouns, it’s kind of a…whatever makes you feel the most comfortable kind of thing,” says Colton. “And I’m technically pansexual. Or as I like to say, it’s about heart’s not parts!”
I tell Colton that LGBTQ+ folx are twice as likely to experience houselessness in their lives than their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. This is because members of the LGBTQ+ community often face a number of societally-imposed challenges that contribute to high rates of homelessness and addiction.
But Colton says he doesn’t think identifying as queer and pansexual was the cause for his most recent experiences of houselessness.
“I mean, I don’t think that was a direct impact for me. But it’s a variable,” says Colton with a shrug.
However Colton goes on to say he’s been experiencing more frequent anti-LGBTQ+ and “anti-expression” sentiments since coming to the Pacific Northwest.
“I will say this though, as someone who came here from the outside: everyone thinks the Pacific Northwest is the bees knees as far as acceptance of the LGBT community… and like I know Portland’s different, and I love Portland for all that’s worth,” says Colton confidingly.
“But everyone seems to think it’s just amazingly accepting in this town and the next ones over but … it’s not. I’ve come across people here that are very anti-expression. It’s unfortunate. But I hear it’s changing,” he says.
“It’s just so weird to me that it’s, like, right here next to Portland, but it’s still so polarized.”
“I’m transgender, and I grew up here in The Dalles.” I say. “And we have a pretty active queer community in the gorge, and there are a lot of allies here. I will say that no one has ever committed physical acts of violence against me for my identity… but what I have experienced are microaggressions and digital attacks. So, I do want you to be prepared for the possibility when we publish this story.”
Colton nods.
We get back to the interview.
“So where did you grow up?” I ask.
“I was born and raised in Alaska. My dad was in the Army, so we moved a lot when I was younger.”
Colton had fond memories of their childhood.
“We lived in Comanche Three for a little while in Texas,” he says. “I remember my brother and I flooded the kitchen there one time with a little sprayer, and we got in trouble.”
“It was not terrible as a kid. I remember the playgrounds and kids, and family and the sense of belonging. Even in high school I was never really teased. I would hear things, but I just kind of let it roll off my back.” says Colton. “I was friends with everyone, the anime kids, the nerds, the preps, and the skater/stoners kids.”
Colton says he’s been pretty lucky compared to some LGBTQ folx.
“I’ve never really experienced hate because of who I am. I’ve experienced neglect. I’ve experienced abandonment. But not necessarily like hate hate. I’ve been fortunate. I know that’s not everyone's experience.”
Colton first began experiencing houselessness while living in Houston.
“I’m a recovering addict … and living in Houston didn’t help any of that,” says Colton as an explanation. “I went straight into the poor man’s drug: meth.”
“But I never tried heroin,” he says. “My first husband died of an overdose in my arms because of heroin, so that’s why I never touched that one.”
We both pause, taking in what he’s said.
“It was easier being homeless in Houston because there was a sense of community there,” says Colton. “They extended that extra hand, especially if they were homeless or had experienced being homeless themselves. There was just more camaraderie and a sense of acceptance.”
Colton’s gestures apologetically with one jewelry laden hand.
“Not to put this place down! It’s just newer here I suppose. These are some of the best people I have ever found in my whole life.”
But when COVID hit Colton decided it was time for a change.
“I moved to Goldendale to get away from COVID and to be with my family,” Colton says. “Then I moved to Moses Lake. And then I stupidly stayed here for some boy who I won’t name.”
Colton pauses, shakes his head, and rolls his eyes a little.
“He’s a really good guy, but he’s just not for me,” says Colton. “I wish the best of luck to him.”
When Colton and his boyfriend broke up Colton found himself in a difficult situation that lead him to become houseless once more.
“I just kind of got stuck in this rut,” he says. “After that relationship dissolved, I didn’t have many resources here. I didn’t know anybody. So, it ended up just being me, myself and I for a minute.”
But then some kind local strangers lent a hand.
“That’s when I met Miss Amber and her brother John and they have been my angels and my saviors. And Carl, Amber’s husband too. They’ve all been so great. I love the hell out of them.”
Colton had been walking down west 10th Street and Myrtle when he came across a house being gutted.
“I’m an introvert. I don’t usually stop and talk to random people,” says Colton. “I tend to avoid that at all costs. But I needed a job and something just told me to stop and talk to these people that were there if they needed help with anything.”
“So they hired me on essentially, and they took me in,” says Colton. “They fed me, clothed me, and provided for me, so I could get on my feet. Amber helped me get my ID with the help of the police station, and she connected me to Rob Mendoza the manager here at the shelter.”
“It was amazing.”
“So, how long were you experiencing houselessness before you were able to get in to the MCCAC shelter and get access to health and employment services?” I ask.
“Eight months,” says Colton, looking thoughtful.
“It’s been a blessing in some ways. I’ve been on a journey of trying to find myself. And one thing that’s come from being homeless is that I’ve had a lot of time to focus on it,” says Colton.
His time at MCCAC has also helped him find his calling: helping others.
“I think I may have found my calling here,” says Colton. “I was helping a friend get connected to resources here, and even though I wasn’t able to help her in any other way, just seeing the look on her face and the peace of mind it gave her, it made me feel good … It felt good to help.”
Colton breaks off, getting teary eyed.
“Sorry,” he says.
“Don’t be sorry,” I say, shaking my head. “We don’t need that shame in here. Shame isn’t helpful. You can cry. You’re allowed to cry.”
Colton gives a nervous laugh and takes a breath.
Pictured: Colton Perry
“Sorry,” he says again. “I’m just feeling a mixture of things. I’m just trying to recognize that it’s okay to be in this situation of being homeless and that it happens to a lot of people. And it can be tough just being who I am and how I am.”
He wipes his eyes and straightens up a little.
“It’s been this good fight. It didn’t always feel good but it does now.”
“Because you’ve found a sense of purpose in helping others?” I ask.
“Yeah, but it’s deeper than that,” says Colton, sniffing a little. “It’s about reassuring people that no matter who you are or where you are and even if you’re at the bottom of the barrel shooting up drugs, there’s still something or someone out there that can help.”
“Giving them hope.” I say.
“Yes, Exactly,” says Colton. “It’s about giving people hope.”
“So what would you like to do to help give people hope?” I ask.
“I have a little bit of apprehension about it. I’m not sure where to begin. But probably being a drug and alcohol counselor would be a good start, since I have experience with that. But I’m still just scraping myself together.”
MCCAC has been doing their part to help Colton scrape themself back together by providing shelter, food, safety, mental and behavioral health resources, and by connecting Colton to local employment.
“I got a job - a paying job,” says Colton proudly. “At the Holiday Inn. I haven’t started yet. But I’m going to work part time.”
“Congratulations!” I say.
“Thank you.” says Colton graciously.
“I’m trying to rebuild. And I’m trying to build myself up. Because it’s not about how anybody else looks at me, I could care less what they think of me. But if I’m not good with myself then how am I going to be good for anybody else?” she says.
Pictured: Colton Perry
MCCAC has helped connect Colton to counseling services to help them on their journey.
“I have a counselor at One Community Health that I see. Sarah Edge. She’s super amazing. I love her,” says Colton enthusiastically. “She’s helped me realize a few things. Like, I thought I was doing drugs because I wanted to have fun, but turns out I was doing drugs because there were things missing in my life.”
Sarah has helped Colton get more comfortable with taking medication as well.
“I used to not be one to take medicine. But she’s helped me realize that it’s okay, and now I take anti-anxiety medicine, and it’s actually been helping,” says Colton.
“I’m very high strung because of the meth thing. I’m very go go go. But slowing down every now and again is good. This place has helped me slow down a little.”
Colton said just having the support of their fellow shelter guests and the MCCAC staff has helped them immeasurably.
“Jaime, Judy, Rob, and Sam have really helped me to pick myself up,” says Colton.
“I’ve been able to stand tall again like I used to do when I was younger and didn’t really know what the world was like. But I’ve been able to stand tall again despite how everyone else looks at me.”
“I’ve always been of that mindset, but I’ve never really practiced it. I’ve never lived it like I am now,” says Colton.
“I just try to be as beautiful a soul as I can and show other people that it’s doable … even in difficult situations, no matter how hard you have it,” says Colton. “I feel like living the best me is the best gift I can give. I want to try and live as best I can, so that it might affect someone else positively and that ripple of goodness can continue to get bigger. That’s my mission, I guess.”
Colton also wants other folx experiencing houselessness to know that just because some people in the community have negative perceptions of them it doesn’t mean that they have to accept those perceptions as truth.
“Just because you're homeless doesn’t mean you have to be what everyone else thinks homeless looks like. You don’t have to be a bad person just because someone else thinks you’re a bad person,” says Colton. “You can not have a home and still have ethics and morals. It doesn’t compromise any of that. It’s all about choices. And it’s a choice within you that you’ve got to make.”
“You’ve been through a lot,” I say “But I got to say, sitting across from you, I sense your lightness. How do you keep a positive outlook on life?”
“It’s taken practice. It’s been a lot of running into dead ends with self-harm and running into dead ends with addiction and realizing none of it’s actually been able to fill those holes like just smiling in the morning can,” says Colton.
Colton says the rest stems from his kids and their mother.
“I have two kids in Texas … And their mother Christine,” says Colton.
“Even when I was at my worst she always had this almost annoyingly positive outlook.” He pauses. “I say that in the best way. She’s just always so upbeat and says this too shall pass. She has that tattooed on her arm. And it’s been a mantra of mine for some time now.”
“And no matter how bad it gets, tomorrow’s a different day. So, wake up; try again.” says Colton.
“Is there anything else you wish people knew about experiencing houselessness?” I ask.
“These people have been an invaluable resource,” says Colton of the MCCAC shelter staff.
“But there needs to be more attention brought to the houselessness situation here,” says Colton. “Because there’s enough resources and there’s enough people; there’s enough of everything out there for everyone. We just have to allocate it right. And the communities we live in have to be willing to help. Because even as shiny and nice as this shelter is … it’s still what it is. And it doesn’t have to be. We just have to do something about it.”
Colton Perry resting in the shade at the MCCAC shelter.
Colton also wanted to address that being without a house doesn’t mean you don’t have a home.
“It’s not the end of the road just because you’ve lost what you call home. I tell people when you walk out your front door you walk into my home. I love the outdoors,” says Colton.
