Kaelyn's Story
By Colleen Martinson, Director of Development & Communications
Kaelyn got the city-building, post-apocalyptic game RimWorld for her birthday. She likes it because it’s a creative survival game.
She says, laughing as she plays: “I kind of identify, I guess, after what I’ve been through.”
Kaelyn got housing eight months ago. She describes her new place, a microstudio, like a small, minimal hotel room. Though spartan, she is thrilled to be in her own home.
“I have Garrett (Garrett Dulaney, Client Advocate) and the Ballard Food Bank to thank for that.”
She’s also relieved that the building is a welcoming place, as a trans woman. “The people who run it are really great. I’m transitioning and everyone has been cool, very supportive of LGBTQ people, rainbows everywhere for Pride month.”
Kaelyn sits with Client Advocate Garrett at Ballard Food Bank
Kaelyn describes herself as an open book.
A Johns Hopkins University graduate, she formed a company in the dot com boom that would eventually fold but gave her a taste for working for herself. She came to Seattle ten years ago and has worked jobs from gaming to dog walking to driving for Lyft.
She recalls being evicted about five years ago. “I’ve suffered from chronic depression most of my life, being homeless made the depression even worse.”
Last March, she began having major health problems. Not able to work and living in a car, that’s when she found the Ballard Food Bank. “The food bank was a lifesaver to me. I was totally surprised about how helpful everyone was. Nathaniel (Nathaniel Lyon, Community Advocate and Resource Hub Senior Manager) gave me pointers on food stamps and other services. The food bank kept me alive.”
However, her health continued to deteriorate. Gasping for breath after walking half a block, she thought she was dying. A 911 call saved her life. She had a pulmonary embolism, a blood clot in her lung.
Waking up from surgery, she had an epiphany. “Well, hell, they went to all this trouble and expense to keep me alive…I guess I need to try to do my part!”
She began connecting with more resources at the food bank and Garrett helped her secure housing.
Garrett says, “Kaelyn ultimately did the work. I was there to support her, but she did it all and I’m proud of her and hope she’s proud of herself. Paperwork, calls, and countless meetings – it’s a labor-intensive process that takes months.”
The delight in her voice is palpable as she speaks of her life today.
“A year ago, I thought I was going to be dead in a year. Now, I have a home, friends, a boyfriend, and an awesome gaming rig - my life is fabulous! I no longer need the food bank, but Monday is my day to stop by and say hello before I hit Trader Joe’s.”
Kaelyn is a joyful, creative survivor, building a new life for herself.