HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Becoming houseless or unsheltered is a situation that can impact almost anyone. Having a job doesn't necessarily protect you from it. Having a home sometimes doesn't either.
To find out more about these uncertain times, KHON2.com sat down with Kaimbrea Vance. She was a fully employed hair stylist who was thrust into a houseless situation that was out of her control.
Today, Vance works for Partners in Care where she recently joined the planning and operations team. But her journey began in a much different place.
"About ten or eleven years ago was my first stint of homelessness," Vance shared.
She recounted how she was renting rooms at the time, but conflicts with a roommate led to her becoming houseless or unsheltered when the locks were changed. In this situation, Vance was renting a room without a contractual lease. So, when the person from whom she was renting decided to kick her out, she had no recourse.
“I was homeless at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor. I was very blessed to meet a lot of the uncles who kept me safe and helped watch my stuff when I went to work,” she recalled.
Despite her difficult circumstances, Vance continued to work at a hair salon, which she found to be one of the most challenging aspects of her homelessness.
Being houseless or unsheltered while holding a job was incredibly difficult for Vance.
"One of the biggest barriers is being able to be clean. Luckily, I was an opener at the salon; so, I could go in early, wash my clothes, wash my hair, wash my nails," Vance explained.
Without a place to prepare meals, she had to buy food day by day, which made it hard to save any money.
Her turning point came when she got pregnant.
Vance decided to change her life and sought help from Catholic Charities, which led her to the Mary Jane Home, a shelter where she stayed for a little over a year. From there, she moved to transitional housing with the Salvation Army and eventually secured permanent housing at Kahauiki Village.
"I’m still there today, and that’s run by IHS," she said proudly.
Vance’s work life also took a significant turn upon becoming pregnant. Initially working at a burrito shop for $11 an hour, she realized she needed a more stable career to support her son.
Encouraged by a friend, she applied for a job at IHS, despite the job description stating a degree was required. She was hired as an outreach specialist and began helping others in situations similar to her own.
“My manager at the time had outreached to me when I was homeless; so, it was like really full circle,” Vance shared.
Vance spoke passionately about the stigma surrounding houselessness or being unsheltered.
"People think if you’re homeless, you’re lazy, worthless or don’t deserve anything. But there are homeless people who have jobs, and it’s just that jobs are not allowing you to live," she emphasized.
She noted the challenges of holding a job while being houseless or unsheltered, such as not having a safe place to keep belongings or a clean place to get ready for work. In one scenario Vance recalled while she was still a hair stylist.
"I remember one time they tried to take my hair scissors, which is what I worked with; and I had to, like, argue with the police officers to let me keep my tools for my job," added Vance.
However, through her work at Partners in Care, Vance has seen firsthand the struggles of those still experiencing houselessness or being unsheltered.
"The cost of living, groceries and rent are getting almost unmanageable," she said. "Many people want to get out of homelessness but have to work full-time jobs just to afford a room."
Vance indicated that she still finds the cost of living challenging, despite her progress in her career.
Vance’s journey has not only given her a unique perspective but also a deep sense of empathy for those she helps.
"Homeless individuals are regular people, and the way they are treated and looked at is really sad," she said.
She is grateful for the support of organizations like IHS and Partners in Care, which hire people with lived experiences of houselessness or being unsheltered.
"They’ve realized that people with lived experience bring a unique aspect to the table," Vance noted.
Her experience has been one of both hardship and hope. Vance helped many of the people she was houseless or unsheltered with, including an uncle who kept her safe, whom she was able to help get housed during COVID.
"It was really full circle for me," she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Vance shared, "My homelessness was for a purpose because I never had this passion before to be a part of this industry. I am grateful for what I went through."
She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help others understand the complexity of houselessness or being unsheltered and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.
As Vance continues her work, she remains committed to advocating for those who are houseless or unsheltered.
"I hope that people can see that it’s possible to move beyond homelessness and that everyone deserves respect," she said.
Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of community support, and it serves as an inspiration for those facing similar challenges.
Vance’s journey from houselessness to advocacy highlights the importance of empathy, support and the belief that everyone deserves a chance to build a better future.
Through her work, she continues to inspire and support others and prove that with the right help, it is possible to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.