When Charles Johnson’s name floated to the top of the housing waitlist for Madison Towers, it was the dead of winter.
On the streets, these months are brutal. Johnson had nothing but a backpack and his walking stick to endure the elements.
As soon as he was able, he applied for an apartment at Madison Towers. But the process was long, and waiting to hear back on the status of his application meant weeks of cold waiting.
He had a quiet agreement with a gas station convenience store where he’d help clean up in exchange for the chance to rest nearby, out of sight. This and kindnesses from friends and family helped him along as he tried to get back on his feet after getting out of jail, but a roof overhead was still just out of reach.
He said God gave him the strength to stay on his feet in those days.
Now it’s spring — and he recently walked to Easter Sunday mass from his new apartment.
“I’m glad I’m off the streets, I ain’t gotta worry about the rain and cold anymore, you know what I’m saying? I’m in a good, warm spot, and I’m gonna continue to do my best,” he said. “I went to church for Easter Sunday. I got a good blessing.”
Having to dedicate less time to survival needs, Charles has a chance to enjoy the warmer weather on his own terms. He’s got a new walking stick, a kitchen of his own and time on his hands.
“I have free time, my main thing is keeping this apartment straight and clean. I’ve got my brother, we ride around and hang out, and stuff — I stay busy,” he said. “I go out and sit, I listen to the radio. You know, I’m a drifter, I like being by myself anyway. I don’t like a lot of traffic.”
Having that appreciation for solitude, Charles’ time at his new apartment has been an opportunity to rest, he said. He soaks in the weather to the nostalgic tune of ‘90s R&B, music he’s loved for a long time.
Charles’ time unhoused took patience and resilience, but he appreciates every good thing that’s come his way, he said. A chance to sleep in his own bed is a chance to maintain his space and finally enjoy spring.
“Like I said, I’m a drifter. I ain’t trying to go back in a bad way. I wasn’t bad when I went in. When I got out, I wasn’t bad. I must be doing something right!”
Despite all Charles has been through, his fortune is evidence that when good goes around, it comes around, he said.
“When you get out in the world, just do right, man. Put it out there and there are people who will help you.”