Meet Monique

Monique has been living at Hayu Tilixam since December 2022, right around the building’s opening. One of the things that attracted her to the new community was being the very first person to live in her current apartment, along with the strong Native American presence. Monique had also been working closely with NARA (Native American Rehabilitation Association) on her sobriety and treatment journey. After treatment, she transitioned to a sober living home with her daughter, where the house manager helped her with the apartment application process and introduced her to Hayu Tilixam.

Monique was pleasantly surprised at how friendly the residents were, regularly introducing themselves and chatting with her in the hallway and shared spaces. With this being Monique’s first apartment, both her AA sponsor and NARA assisted with furnishing it. Since moving in, she has proudly replaced the second-hand furniture with new pieces that she selected and bought herself. Her daughter was thrilled to have her own room, enjoying the extra space, WIFI, and access to the community room, where Monique hosted her daughter’s birthday party this year. With the room’s extra space and amenities, including the outdoor courtyard, Monique was able to invite her daughter’s entire class, along with family.

Monique also attends resident programming and events organized by the building’s co-owner and co-developer, NAYA (Native American Youth and Family Center). She values the quick assistance she receives when addressing any on-site issues. Beyond building maintenance and NAYA’s resident programming, NARA also provides counseling services, helping residents with tools to thrive and feel safe, meeting them where they are in their journey.

After moving from New Mexico, Monique was unfamiliar with Portland’s Cully neighborhood. However, she quickly came to appreciate its amenities, such as the easy access to public transit, nearby parks, and the grocery store across the street, where she now works. She started as a pharmacy counter cashier and is now a licensed pharmacy technician. Monique is grateful for the training she’s received and shared that she wasn’t sure if she’d have the same growth opportunities living somewhere else.

Monique loves where she lives—she feels safe, enjoys her apartment, the community, and the surrounding area, as well as benefits from the building’s supportive services. While Monique originally came to Portland with her main goal being to complete treatment, her determination and resilience has led her to the fulfilling life she now enjoys with her daughter at Hayu Tilixam.