People of Housing Security:
Shakay Norris

From starting her high school step team to creating businesses from scratch during the pandemic, ShaKay Norris has always had a drive to build something new. As one of Heading Home’s new Diversion and Prevention Case Managers, ShaKay now has the unique opportunity to shape her role at the Downtown Monroe County Public Library. 

ShaKay’s story begins in her childhood, when she was raised between Detroit and Bloomington. She grew up in a strong, supportive family surrounded by people who played a significant role in shaping who she is today. She credits her grandmother in particular with helping her become well-rounded. “I don’t know where I would be without my grandmother,” she said. “I strive to be like her.” 

After graduating high school, ShaKay began studying Public Relations at Vincennes University, later shifting her focus toward a career in early childhood development. She began working at Head Start, a program through the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP), first as a substitute teacher and later as an assistant teacher. 

In this role, ShaKay provided a lot of support and guidance to the teachers, constantly working to improve their classrooms. For her, this job was more than just showing up to work each day to supervise kids, but rather an opportunity to support entire families. “It was my first case management job in a way,” she shared. “You surround the whole family with what they need.” 

Once the pandemic hit, ShaKay continued to work virtually to create online videos and projects for children at Head Start, but she also started taking classes herself. Eventually, ShaKay was able to use her web design skills to create and sell websites to clients. ShaKay also began taking coding classes and became Amazon Website Services certified. 

ShaKay later worked for the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) as an eligibility specialist. This consisted of conducting Medicaid interviews, working on Medicaid applications, and dealing with food stamp applications. “I found myself working with clients more than I should have and trying to find them alternative resources,” she explained.

“A lot of people just need someone to believe in them. I believe I am where I am today because somebody did that for me too”

Throughout her journey, ShaKay has been empowered by many people in her life, but one program she touched on that made a particularly lasting impact was Thriving Connections. ShaKay joined them about eight years ago and is still actively part of their community, now serving as a captain and also leading her own physical exercise class.

“They’re all about building your family out of poverty,” ShaKay said. Thriving Connections offers all types of programming in areas such as meal planning, budgeting, and parenting. “They give you the support and the supplies to take hold of new opportunities,” she said. “They empower you.”

In her current role at Heading Home, ShaKay now has the opportunity to empower others through her case management work. ShaKay’s new role is placed at the downtown location of the Monroe County Public Library, where she receives referrals from library staff, community partners, and members in the community. Her role is uniquely positioned due to her ability to support anyone regardless of household status or geographic location. 

ShaKay’s position through Heading Home was made possible due to a five-year grant from the Lilly Endowment to address unsheltered homelessness in Monroe County. Learn more about that initiative here.

ShaKay’s work specifically focuses on supporting households at imminent risk of homelessness. She meets with these households to problem-solve ways that they can maintain housing. This can include utilizing community resources along with Heading Home’s flex fund to cover expenses related to eviction, utilities, or a job loss. Other times, this can involve family mediation or finding more affordable housing options. After dealing with the immediate crisis, ShaKay then continues to work with the family to create a sustainable plan for long-term housing stability.

ShaKay’s placement at the library has also given her a new perspective on what the library means for many individuals. She explained that it is far more than just a library to people, but rather a safe haven for those in the community. Through her work, she hopes to continue making people feel welcomed and safe. 

 “A lot of people just need someone to believe in them,” she said. “I believe I am where I am today because somebody did that for me too.”

When ShaKay is not working, she enjoys singing, participating in Thriving Connections, and watching her children blossom in their own activities. She shared that nothing motivates her more than her children, and she hopes to continue inspiring them to become good people in the world.