A Focus On Lived Experience: Charles Shouveiller
Our work depends on listening to and learning from people who have experienced homelessness and housing instability firsthand. This month, Community Advisory Board Vice President Charles Shouveiller shares his journey from homelessness to advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.
My experience with homelessness began in January 1985 after I was released from prison. At the time, finding stable housing felt nearly impossible. Many landlords were unwilling to rent to someone with a felony conviction, and I often felt judged for mistakes I had already paid for, as well as for my mental health diagnosis. It seemed like every door I knocked on was not only closed, but locked. The stigma surrounding my circumstances made it difficult to see a path forward.
Everything began to change when I connected with Community Alliance. I was paired with a case manager who believed in me, encouraged me to persevere, and helped me look beyond the stereotypes often associated with mental health challenges and justice involvement. With that support, I moved into a Community Alliance apartment. Later, I received a Section 8 voucher that helped me transition into housing of my own.
That stability gave me the foundation I needed to rebuild my life. Today, I operate my own lawn and snow removal service and have earned certifications in plumbing, electrical work, subcontracting, and small engine repair. These opportunities helped me build a career, regain my independence, and become an active contributor to my community. Through my work, I am able to support myself, provide valuable services to others, and give back in meaningful ways. If it were not for Community Alliance, Threshold CoC, and the providers who invested in me along the way, I do not know where I would be today.
“A little understanding and support can change the course of someone’s life.”
Looking back, one of the most important lessons I learned came from the people who stood beside me during that difficult time. My case managers helped me understand the importance of treatment, personal growth, and changing my mindset so I could become a healthier and more productive member of society. Region 6 was also deeply involved in helping people move out of shelters and into stable housing. The staff I worked with were compassionate, understanding, and never judged me for my circumstances. Instead, they helped me focus on what was possible and take the next steps forward.
Today, I serve as Vice President of Threshold CoC’s Community Advisory Board and participate in several internal Threshold CoC groups. Through these roles, I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges facing our growing homeless population and the importance of approaching those challenges with empathy and compassion. I believe people with lived experience bring valuable insight that can improve services, strengthen programs, and create more effective solutions.
In addition to my work with Threshold CoC, I serve on the Human Services Advisory Council and the Nebraska Prison Advisory Board. These opportunities allow me to share my experiences, advocate for others, and educate community members and decision-makers about the barriers people face when trying to rebuild their lives. Through advisory boards and community discussions, I have helped challenge misconceptions, learn from others, and serve as a voice for people navigating circumstances similar to those I once faced.
My journey has shown me that recovery and stability are possible when people are met with support instead of judgment. I strongly believe there must be greater empathy and understanding for those experiencing homelessness. Today, I am proud to contribute to my community through my business, my volunteer leadership, and my service on advisory boards. These avenues allow me to continue elevating the voices of people with lived experience and helping create pathways to housing, stability, and opportunity for neighbors facing housing instability.