Helping People Move Forward
Shenina Orr felt inspired to embrace a new opportunity that directly addresses one of the biggest barriers people face.
For her, stepping into the role of SOAR Benefit Specialist in our Mental Health Supported Housing Program is a chance to help people take one of the most important steps toward stability.
Shenina assists individuals in applying for SSI or SSDI benefits. For many, that financial support can be life changing.
“There is such a big need in our community for this,” Shenina shares.
“A lot of people face significant challenges due to financial struggles. It is a big roadblock. So, helping people access the financial assistance they need is important to me. This support can lead to stability in their lives.”
Stable housing can provide consistency, independence, and peace of mind—things many people need before they can fully focus on their mental health, healthcare, employment, or future goals.
For individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, receiving benefits can become the foundation for rebuilding their lives.
This work is much more than just paperwork for Shenina. She demonstrates encouragement, dedication, and compassion as she helps people put the pieces together.
“This is an important step for someone to move forward in their life,” she says. “That is one of the main reasons I opted to take this position. To be a little part of that process means a lot to me.”
Shenina works directly with clients, guiding them through the entire SSI or SSDI application. It’s a complex process—filled with detailed questions, medical summaries, and extensive documentation.
“You have to piece together the story. If it started in childhood, you go all the way back. Sometimes clients struggle to remember where they were living or their hospitalization dates. It’s not always easy, but anything you can find helps.”
Once an application is submitted, there are sixty days to gather supporting documentation. Thanks to the online system, approvals can sometimes be seen within a few weeks.
And when they do, everything changes.
Shenina recently worked with a gentleman who believed he wouldn’t be approved. After reviewing his case, she realized key evidence was missing.
“He went out and got what he needed, and he was approved. It was wonderful.”
Moments like that fuel her passion.
She has also introduced an empowering way to celebrate progress.
“Once the client has finished the program, we give them a certificate of completion. This way, they can feel good about the process and what they accomplished,” Shenina explains.
“This is a big thing for people, especially when they feel like they haven’t been successful in the past. Having that certificate shows them that they are and can be successful.”
“When you see yourself doing good, you want to keep going. I hope to be that person who encourages them to continue their success.”
The need for SOAR services continues to grow. Shenina receives referrals from community partners, healthcare providers, and non-profit organizations.
“How can you focus on an application when you are facing homelessness? That is why we are here to help them through the process.”
This year, Shenina reached a big milestone by becoming SOAR Certified. As she continues to grow in her role, her enthusiasm is clear.
“I’m ready to dig in,” she says. “I’m excited to help people.”
Beyond the work itself, Shenina says being part of Bell has been a blessing.
“As a single mom, I appreciate the flexibility. I love what Bell stands for and how we help people. Everyone is so kind, and when you see staff who have been here 10 or 20 years, that says everything.”
Shenina enjoys what she does and the importance of the work itself. Having stable housing often changes more than just where someone lives. It can provide the stability someone needs to move forward.
In her role, Shenina helps people put the pieces together, turning paperwork into possibility and obstacles into opportunity because everyone deserves the chance to SOAR.