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“As someone who is blind and hard of hearing, I have some barriers that I have had to overcome,” shared Ulysses when first asked about their journey to housing.
Ulysses is a member of Washington County’s Resident Advisory Board (RAB) since 2024, and a renter who relies on a voucher through the Housing Authority of Washington County. They have gone through many hardships in their life. Ulysses was born with total blindness and lost most of their hearing by age 7. As an adult, they experienced further health issues as they suffered from a heat-related medical emergency in 2016.
Ulysses had moved out of an unsafe home and had to search for the right programs to help them find the housing they needed. “I was very new to the program, I didn't know what a voucher was, what the difference between PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) or public housing was... I didn’t know any of those things,” they said. “No one really told me how to apply for a voucher or anything like that. People told me to apply to a waitlist, but I didn’t know it was attached to a specific property.”
Ulysses persisted while waiting. In 2023, an increase in funding for the Mainstream voucher program finally gave them the opportunity and a path towards housing stability that they’ve benefited from to this day. Mainstream vouchers are dedicated to help people with disabilities under age 65, who often suffer higher risk of homelessness. Now with stable housing and an important role on our Resident Advisory Board, Ulysses is looking forward to what’s next.
When asked how their life has changed since getting that voucher, they said that “I felt a lot more liberated. Felt like I got a key of independence.” Once they received the approval notice in the fall of that year, they were finally able to start looking for places. “[My new apartment] had presented challenges that I didn't anticipate,” they shared. “The building was built in 2004 before climate change became a real thing. There was no A/C. A major issue is the trash because it’s outside, and I get lost so many times... Due to the blindness it’s hard to navigate where I am at, and you have to walk a ways from the building,” they continued.
Another major issue Ulysses brought up was the need for an in-unit washer and dryer, which thankfully they were able to get. This was not out of a desire for convenience, but practicality and safety due to their disabilities – an important reminder for us all about the importance of accommodations.
Moreover, Ulysses had shared that since they identify as she/they, they have faced even further discrimination in life just due to their identity. “One of the reasons I hesitated to get on the voucher was because I did not like how it only allowed you to select male or female,” they said. “But with the Biden administration, it let me feel more comfortable with applying as I was able to choose X.”
Things are looking up for Ulysses though, they will be moving to a new home in a couple months, and that place will have a trash chute to accommodate their blindness. Their end goal though is to move to Beaverton to be closer to family, and the program has played an important role in helping them achieve that. “I completed the Individual Development Account, which helped a lot, especially with moving. Was very successful,” she said. “I’ve also worked a lot on building my credit history and would like to own a home one day.” They continued on to emphasize how the voucher is helping them work toward that goal.
When asked if they had any final thoughts and/or or advice for people reading their story, they recommended that people be an advocate for themselves and others, and that if you’re in a disabled condition, they can contact Community Connect or get a referral through 211.
Thank you, Ulysses, for sharing your story. From their recent attendance of Washington County’s Annual Housing Luncheon, to their tireless work on the RAB, their dedication to being an active member of the community will make a lasting impact on our department and community.
If you want to make an impact, we encourage voucher holders and residents to consider joining the RAB. If you’re struggling with housing instability and face barriers, we hope you find inspiration in Ulysses’ path. Please visit our website to learn more about the Mainstream voucher and other programs.