John Huggins' Story

John Huggins' story is a testament to the importance of community support in helping individuals achieve self-sufficiency and comfortable living situations. Through the support of The United Effort Organization, John was able to transition from an unstable and challenging life in an RV to the security and comfort of a studio apartment. This move not only improved his living conditions but also provided him with a renewed sense of stability and well-being.

John Huggins was born in Hobart, Oklahoma, in 1939. From a young age, he was no stranger to hard work. By the age of six, John was already working in the cotton fields during harvest time, a period when many students were given time off school to help bring in the crop. Each year, he returned to the fields, progressing to pulling a 15-foot-long tow sack by the time he was sixteen. This sack was dragged behind him down the mile-long cotton rows while he used both hands to pick cotton as quickly as he could. Halfway down each row, a man sitting in a trailer would weigh the cotton. John always made a note of the weight to ensure he wasn't being cheated. At a pay rate of two cents per pound, every pound was valuable.

As he grew older, John transitioned to driving a tractor to cut wheat. This job paid one dollar per hour and required him to work 18 hours a day, seven days a week. One advantage of this work was that the farmer provided lunch, unlike the cotton-picking workers who had to bring their own food.

At the age of 17, John moved to California, where he secured a job at Libby McNeill & Libby, a historic and now defunct cannery. John described his role of adding color and other ingredients to the maraschino cherries as the best job in the place. Despite the hard times, John worked at the cannery at night while doing construction work during the day. He found construction demanding but not as tough as his days in the cotton fields. His wages allowed him to enjoy small pleasures like attending drive-in movies for five cents and buying ice cream for "a nickel a dip."

In his 50s, John discovered a passion for dance. He went dancing every night, from 9 pm to 2 am. He recalls this time with great fondness, describing a vibrant environment where drunkenness was not tolerated, allowing him to meet many wonderful people.

For the past 18 years, John has lived in an RV. Initially, that seemed to be a less expensive option, but the rising costs of butane for his stove, and gas for his generator to power lights and flush the toilet offset those savings. The RV lacked insulation, making it extremely cold in the winter and hot in the summer: John remembers piling up blankets to stay warm at night and using his butane stove for heat during the day. Another challenge he frequently faced was being asked by the police to move on and park elsewhere which was stressful, especially with the ongoing threat of a ban on RV parking.

With the help provided by The United Effort, John's recent move to a studio apartment in Mountain View has brought wonderful changes. After a month in his new home, John still marvels at having water readily available whenever needed, a bathroom (a much-appreciated luxury!), and lights that can be powered with the flip of a switch. A generously sized refrigerator has been a marvelous upgrade from the cooler he’d needed to frequently replenish with ice. Now, John can enjoy his favorite strawberry ice cream that lasts for several days.

John Huggins' life story is one of resilience and hard work, from his early days in the cotton fields to his recent transition to a more comfortable living situation. His experiences reflect a journey marked by perseverance and an unwavering spirit.

From the perspective of the United Effort Organization, John's story illustrates the profound impact our work can have on individuals' lives. By providing support and resources, we help people like John transition from unstable and challenging living conditions to secure and comfortable homes. John's move to a studio apartment not only improved his living conditions but also gave him a renewed sense of stability and well-being. This transformation showcases the essential role of organizations like ours in enabling individuals to thrive. Through our efforts, we strive to continue making such meaningful changes in the lives of those we serve.