People of Housing Security:
Belaynesh Beyene

When she was eight years old, Belaynesh Beyene migrated with her family to Bloomington from Eritrea, a country in east Africa. Shortly after, she and her family moved to Chicago where she continued her early education.

It was while living in Chicago that Belaynesh first witnessed homelessness. Belaynesh explained that, until that moment, she “never knew that there were homeless people.” Belaynesh noticed how those around her were dismissive towards those experiencing homelessness, yet she desired to learn more.

“I’m a people person. I want to learn people’s stories,” Belaynesh explained. This desire she had as a child is now being lived out as she works as a Rehabilitation Specialist at Centerstone.

Belaynesh has called Bloomington home for almost 30 years, having returned here to raise her kids. Belaynesh believes that people’s paths aren’t linear and often there are unexpected blessings along the journey of life. For example, she shared that while attending Ivy Tech in her 40s she met her now best friend Tami Giles. After graduating from Ivy Tech, Belaynesh decided to attend Indiana University with Tami and major in Human Development and Family Studies. 

While at school, Belaynesh interned at Crawford Apartments, a permanent supportive housing program in Bloomington. After graduating from IU, Belaynesh started working full-time at Crawford Apartments. During her time there, Belaynesh worked as a case manager with Crawford’s tenants. After 6 years, Belaynesh started her current role as a Rehabilitation Specialist at Centerstone.

As a Rehabilitation Specialist, Belaynesh works to connect unhoused and housed clients to care. She helps address a variety of needs her clients may have.  Belaynesh has helped clients develop essential interpersonal and life skills. Additionally, she aims to reduce transportation barriers to ensure clients are able to make it to their medical appointments and do grocery trips. 

“I always want to leave work knowing I was able to help somebody that day”

An additional part of Belaynesh’s role includes doing street outreach with Tami Giles. On a regular basis, they are doing outreach to new or existing encampments to help individuals obtain stability. 

When reflecting over her career, Belaynesh has one memory that is dear to heart. She shared how she had the opportunity to walk alongside one of her longest clients as the client pursued sobriety. Belaynesh recalled her client getting to walk his daughter down the aisle and what a special moment that was. It was a memory that her client and his daughter would cherish forever, and Belaynesh was happy to have played a part in such a beautiful moment. 

“I love my job,” Belaynesh said. Her clients remind her every day to be grateful to have a roof over her head and a family to support her. “I just look around, and thank God.”

Belaynesh explained how, when doing outreach, she is supposed to be helping people who are unhoused, but instead she often finds they are the ones helping her. “They appreciate life a lot more than those that are housed and are some of the most artistic and caring people you will ever meet,” Belaynesh said.  

Working with clients who are experiencing some of the most traumatic experiences of their lives can be difficult, but Belaynesh is grateful for the opportunity to support them on the road back to stability and healing. “If I could touch somebody’s heart that day, or help one person and that made their day, that motivates me,” Belaynesh shared. “I always want to leave work knowing I was able to help somebody that day.”

Outside of work, Belaynesh enjoys getting cozy with a  good book. She also likes to watch comedies while spending time in the kitchen. “Laughter is good for the soul,” Belaynesh said. 

Belaynesh is a proud mother to two kids and her dog Rocky. “It’s a blessing being a Mama,” Belaynesh said, “Family just means the world to me.”

Note: This series highlights the work of those committed to improving the lives of residents in South Central Indiana. Find all the articles in this series here.