EG’s Story: Emerging from Severe Depression

Our staff at 3Keys meets our residents where they are in order to provide the best possible housing and supportive services. Resident stories, like EG’s below, make the work meaningful and rewarding. Together, we are working to end chronic homelessness. Here is EG’s story:

When EG arrived at 3Keys, she had almost no hope. The trauma of homelessness had left her withdrawn and immobilized by severe depression. She rarely left her room and barely ate. Staff began with small, steady acts of care – knocking softly on her door, bringing food from the pantry, and making sure she was drinking water. Over time, her depression deepened to the point that speaking became too difficult, and eventually she stopped talking altogether.

Refusing to give up, her case manager offered her a notebook and pen. For months, EG communicated only through handwritten notes. Each day, her case manager showed up – sitting with her, playing cards, drawing, and taking short walks – patiently building trust. Through those consistent, compassionate moments, EG began to believe she mattered. The notes became a pathway to progress: first small goals like stepping outside each day, then larger ones like addressing her mental health. Staff accompanied her to appointments at Grady 10 Park Place, where she received a full psychiatric evaluation, began medication for depression, and started therapy to process her trauma.

As her relationship with her case manager deepened, EG shared more of her story, including that she had a child. Then one day, after weeks of silence, she spoke. The sound of her voice brought the staff to tears. Today, EG is stable, participating in on-site activities, and working toward permanent supportive housing with the hope of reuniting with her son.

Read more 3Keys resident success stories here.