Christine “Rainbow” Stief reflected on their first vendor meeting at Street Roots, an organization they credit with keeping them safe and providing critical resources.
“It was December 2019 — it was the Christmas meeting. That’s when they were handing out the warm sweatshirts,” Rainbow said.
In November 2019, Rainbow checked into an inpatient mental health facility. A parent of three, Rainbow lost their kids, as well as housing.
“It has been hard,” Rainbow said. “I haven’t had any contact with my kids since they were taken away.”
Humbled, but undaunted, Rainbow is grateful for what they have and is focused on getting their youngest daughter back.
“I was really lucky to get into a drug- and alcohol-free camp (following my treatment), and that’s where I first learned about Street Roots,” Rainbow said. “Street Roots is the first part of my healing process.”
During the early days of the pandemic, Rainbow was part of Street Roots’ COVID-19 outreach team. Rainbow then traveled to Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico. In traveling, they found what they were seeking.
“I found compassion in places I never expected. I now have a handpicked family — the love I have been shown in my travels and with Street Roots. I feel like the richest person in the world.”
As for their mental health, Rainbow said they want others to know they are not alone.
“I’m extremely open about mental health. I want to help eliminate the stigma. I would love to be a model for other people in my boat. My motto is that every day is a solution, as long as I’m practicing the skills I have learned.”
Rainbow has other reasons for optimism. They just learned there’s a chance to get their daughter back. She lives with one of Rainbow’s cousins in Washington.
And in early April, Rainbow made their final payment on an RV they’ve been saving up for.
“I’ve started making plans for myself,” Rainbow said. “A couple of friends will pick up my RV for me. I’m hoping to buy some land in New Mexico to have a place to stay and a pit stop for traveling friends and family. It’s my third month of paying it off. I can’t wait to take a trip with my daughter in it. I told the guy I bought it from that I’d bring her by. I want him to see how happy we are and how he helped.”
Beyond reuniting with their daughter, Rainbow is motivated to improve the lives of others. They would like one day to work at Street Roots in a permanent position to establish a mail program for unhoused people and travelers. They’d also like to start a rehabilitation program that moves people from houselessness to housing and connects people to education and job training and other services, especially for those who are struggling.
“I want to move people beyond surviving to thriving,” they said. “And I want to keep giving back to Street Roots. When the pandemic is over, if I can start my rehab program, I’d love to be a sister nonprofit to Street Roots.”
Rainbow is floating in various positions assisting Street Roots and hasn’t yet returned to selling papers. Their current focus is on working through the court system to reunite with their daughter. But they want others to know that the National Suicide Prevention Hotline (800-273-8255) is a resource for anyone struggling.
