Homeless in Key West Making a Fresh Start Working on the Navy Base

By Susan Mitchell

Kenny Duvall, 51, and Erik (who asked not to use his last name or photograph) are working for the US Navy doing landscaping on Boca Chica. They also live in the emergency shelter also known as KOTS on Stock Island which is run by Southernmost Homeless Assistance League or SHAL.

Erik, 40, came to Key West from New York City. He was working in the World Trade Center on 9/11 as a para legal for a law firm after graduating from college in English Literature and History. He obviously survived the tragedy of 9/11. He went on to suffer the loss of his mom a few months later. Erik, who was living with his his mom, an artist, took care of her as she died of cancer. She was his only family member and she raised him as a single mom. Erik inherited the home his mother owned and said he made poor decisions. “It’s not exactly healthy to get all that cash in your twenties,” said Erik who spent all the money. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here now,” he added. The law firm relocated and Erik came to Key West for a job managing property and said he didn’t have the opportunity to save money. That job ended. Erik said he’s grateful to be working for the Navy landscaping and trying to earn enough money to go back to New York City. Erik said he needs more than a bus ticket. The $11per hour job landscaping for the Navy began less than a week ago, yet, he plans to raise enough to get housing and set up in the city he misses tremendously. It’s like the song, “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til its gone,” said Erik of his hometown New York City.

Kenny Duvall, came to Key West from Victoria, Texas after a divorce. He had $5,000 cash from the divorce settlement in two bank envelopes. While on the way to Key West, by bus, the money was stolen from the side pocket of his suit case somewhere between Atlanta and Key West. Duvall came to Key West with nothing. He learned of the shelter from a Sheriff’s Deputy. Duvall said he wants to stay in Key West, although he had no idea the cost of living was so high. “I’m blessed to have a  place to rest my head and a meal to put in my tummy. This is a new chapter of my life,” he added.  Duvall said he and Erik catch a bus at 6 am to get to the Navy Base for start time at 7:30 am. The day starts by breaking into teams and getting safety instructions from the supervisor. They go onto landscape the base until 3:30 when another person on their team gives them a ride back to the shelter.

Getting out of the homeless shelter is a goal for Duvall. He plans to find a housemate and decent housing. He also plans to save money and attend to his daughter’s college graduation in June.

Mike Tolbert, Shelter Director, said he plans to help his residents obtain more jobs at the Navy base. The shelter needs long sleeved shirts and boots. Tolbert works with employers in Key West to help residents work in grocery stores, restaurants, construction, fishing and retail stores. Donated work clothing can be dropped off at the shelter or Tolbert can pick them up. Tolbert said anyone who needs a job can contact him whether or not they are shelter residents. Tolbert can be reached at 305-434-6388.

Duvall said some shelter residents struggle with mental health and addiction problems, however like he and Erik, are going through a rough time and are trying to get their lives together and get out. “The shelter is laying a foundation and working to help me which is a Godsend,” Duvall concluded.