A Place to Begin Again: Stories of Hope and Transformation from the Carnegie Resource Center
Staff from the Carnegie Resource Center in Everett shared a few stories on the impact the resources provided at the center have on the lives of people in the greater community.
“Jacobi walked through the doors of The Carnegie Resource Center carrying more than just his belongings – he carried the weight of starting over. Within the first two weeks of his release from prison, he visited the center on five separate occasions; each visit moving him closer to stability and success.”
Pictured from left: Rebecca Nelson, director at the Carnegie Resource Center; Shantel Harris, social services coordinator at the Carnegie
KEONE
At his lowest point, Keone found his way to the Carnegie Resource Center in search of housing support. What he discovered was more than just services – he found a safe, judgment-free space filled with people who genuinely cared about his future. It was through simple acts of kindness and compassion that Keone gained the courage to begin changing his life.
With the help of Carnegie’s on-site housing provider and other vital resources, Keone moved from homelessness to stability in just six and a half months. His transformation is remarkable as he no longer is struggling to survive. Instead, Keone is thriving as he is now healthy, housed, and working with a respected community organization.
Currently, Keone is also training to become a housing case manager for an agency serving displaced youth. He is deeply excited about this new chapter of his life because it allows him to “pay it forward.” Becky Nelson, director at the Carnegie Resource Center, stated, “Keone is now in the position to be able to support others who are walking the same path he once did. It is amazing to witness this transformation.”
Shantel Harris, Carnegie’s social services coordinator, said, “Even more inspiring, Keone now returns to Carnegie regularly to drop resource materials for our patrons, offering hope, encouragement, and guidance to those beginning their own journey. His story is living proof that with compassion, connection, and determination, a new life is always within reach.”
ESTHER
Despite living in her vehicle through a harsh winter with only a few possessions, Esther, a senior client, always walked into The Carnegie Resource Center with a smile. When asked “why,” she explained it was because she knew she would be met with warm smiles and genuine care. From her very first visit, our team worked to meet her immediate needs – providing thick blankets, gloves, socks, scarves, and hygiene supplies to help her stay warm.
Shantel stated, “We then completed a needs assessment to better understand her priorities and connected her to the resources most vital for her next steps.”
Esther was introduced to an on-site housing navigator, supported in completing a DSHS benefits application, and connected to a public benefit specialist. She also received help through the Lifeline phone program and worked with an employment specialist to explore job opportunities.
Along the way, Esther made frequent use of Carnegie’s courtesy phone, client laptop and charging station – all tools that gave her access and independence during a difficult time. “The day Esther returned to share her success was one of pure joy; she had secured housing and had several job opportunities pending,” shared Becky.
Esther credits the consistent empathy and compassion she experienced at The Carnegie Resource Center with keeping her hopeful, even during her hardest moments. Esther’s journey is a reminder that kindness and connection can provide the strength needed to create lasting change.
JACOBI
Jacobi walked through the doors of The Carnegie Resource Center carrying more than just his belongings – he carried the weight of starting over. Within the first two weeks of his release from prison, he visited the Carnegie Resource Center on five separate occasions; each visit moving him closer to stability and success.
Today, he is employed, housed, and thriving, but his journey began with uncertainty and fear. Originally, Jacobi was referred by his probation officer and he arrived at the Carnegie overwhelmed by the long list of needs he carried: housing, healthcare, benefits, employment, and a communication device. The anxiety of starting over without safeguards weighed heavily on him.
Shantel commented, “Our team immediately sat down with Jacobi to prioritize his needs and build a clear plan forward. On his first visit, he was able to meet with DSHS staff to complete a food benefits application. From there, he connected with Carnegie’s on-site housing provider, who began the process of coordinated entry and housing navigation.”
A Community Health Plan of Washington(CHPW) healthcare navigator confirmed Jacobi’s insurance was active and ordered a replacement card for him. Jacobi left that day with critical concerns addressed—and with a new sense of relief and hope. When he returned the next day, Jacobi met with an employment specialist through a supported employment program he qualified for. He also secured a new phone, ensuring he had the communication tools needed to stay connected and pursue opportunities.
Step by step, Jacobi has built momentum. What began as overwhelming anxiety transformed into confidence, and within days, he had access to housing, healthcare, benefits, employment support, and stability.
Jacobi’s story is a shining example of why The Carnegie Resource Center exists—to provide judgment-free support, coordinated resources, and encouragement that help people not just re-enter society, but truly thrive.