Imagine Housing Blog

Meet Troy

Francis Village in Kirkland is much more than just an apartment building – it’s a thriving community of caring individuals. For Troy, it’s a community that is helping him regain his health and connect with others.

Troy didn’t expect to go from a well-paying job to fighting for his life after a heart attack. Then the medical bills came, and Troy lost his job. When his unemployment ran out and he was not able to pay his rent, his only option was to live out of his car. Living out of his BMW, he had no safety net, no support system and was unable to find employment. His self-esteem, physical health and mental health all suffered. But, now, he lives at Francis Village.

Troy heard about Francis Village from a resident and put in an application for an available unit. With the support of his girlfriend, and fighting depression after years of being told he didn’t deserve an apartment, he qualified and was able to rebuild his health and his life. After five years of living in his car, Troy moved into his permanent home just after Valentine’s Day in 2016.

Since then, he’s rebuilt his life and made new friendships. Community meals are one of his favorite ways to get to know his neighbors, because there’s nothing like eating a meal to make a connection with your fellow neighbor. His self-esteem has improved, his health improved, and his mental health improved.

Originally published Feb. 23, 2019