Crossroads—2026-07-01 (Patreon)

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Chapter 3.1.14: CHANGING LANDSCAPE by Melissa Gaines

When I came to work for Habitat Housing, I knew that it was a nonprofit corporation. I knew the details of the work would change, and they have.

I have more responsibility now, and I love the work. The executive director, Dexter Heimer, is flexible with my schedule so I can be there for my son when he needs me. Elijah will turn seven in August, so life as a single mother is about to get even busier.

It’s been six years since his father, Jordan, passed away. It’s been hard at times. The hardest, after I lost our home because Elijah’s hospital bills had to take priority.

Stop-Gap Housing came to my rescue. Izzy Duffy was like a saint, getting us off the streets and into one of its temporary housing units. She didn’t stop there. She guided me through transitioning into the apartment I live in now.

But she’s leaving. It’s all but certain she’ll be resigning soon. Her reasons make sense to me, but her departure will leave Stop-Gap Housing with a huge void.

I talked to Tom Jenkins, who owns the properties used by Stop-Gap Housing, about it. He already knew—Izzy had spoken to him about her lease.

“I’m sure you’ll find someone. Izzy is wonderful, though. It won’t be the same. I’m sure you’ll make it work.”

Tom went on to talk about Crossroads Phase II and the eight new Stop-Gap units going in on the fourth floor. He said they should be available by the end of August, so we can help more people off the streets before winter hits.

He went on to say, “Melissa, I was thinking maybe you’d be interested in moving into one of the two-bedroom apartments on the third floor. One of them is ready for occupancy now. The other two still need some cosmetic work. I know Habitat Housing has limited funds, so maybe Dexter and I can arrange the apartment as part of your compensation package. If you’re interested, let me know, and I’ll talk to Dexter. I’m pretty sure the IRS would treat the fair market rental value as taxable income, so we’d need an accountant to set it up correctly. The government still wants its cut, but you’d come out ahead in the long run.”

I cried.

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Chapter 3.1.15: A BREATH FROM THE PAST by Chloe Hastings

I was just about to go into the market where I work when a guy I recognized came out. We had taken a lifeguarding class together at the University of Iowa during my freshman year.

He recognized me, too. “Chloe?”

I smiled. “You remember my name?”

He nodded. “I never forget the name of someone I once practiced rescue breathing with.”

“Long list?”

“Okay, so I remember you and that girl from Japan…”

“Mika…” I said.

He smiled. “Aidan Red Elk—just in case you forgot.”

I looked down and laughed. “I was debating between Ethan and Aidan, to be honest. I remembered your last name. Meskwaki Nation, right?”

“That’s me—Iowa at its best,” he replied.

“Why are you in New York? Do you work here?”

He shook his head. “Not yet… I’m starting an MSW at NYU this fall. I’m trying to find a place now so I can move in, settle down, and get a job before classes start—somewhere affordable and not too difficult to commute from.”

“Oh…” My thoughts immediately went to Crossroads Apartments in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. “I have a suggestion…”

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