Sleeping in a Storage Unit at 60: Tina Marie’s Story of Survival |#ImagineDignityPodcast Ep. 10 | S2

In Episode 10 of Season 2 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast, I met Tina Marie—an elder in the Greenville community who graciously shared her story of resilience while facing homelessness as a senior.

After losing her partner and being pushed out of a rooming house, Tina found herself sleeping in a storage unit and later behind churches and buildings—just trying to stay warm and safe. She opened up about how quickly housing can be lost, how stigma affects her daily interactions, and what it feels like to be overlooked by systems meant to help.

Despite navigating health challenges and recent mini-strokes, Tina remains sharp, spirited, and independent. She even spoke about helping others by sharing meals and cleaning spaces, all while unhoused herself.

Her story is a reminder that homelessness can affect anyone—and that older adults, especially women, face added layers of risk. Tina Marie is more than her situation. She’s a leader, a survivor, and someone we can all learn from if we just stop and listen.

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]