 | Former Song and Dance Man Makes a Comeback at Paige Hall
Norm Hackl was like a lot of young people. He had dreams of performing on stage and traveling around the country. But in Norm’s case the dream became reality. After high school, Norm participated as a member of “Up With People,” a touring educational arts organization that performs a musical stage show. After a couple of years, Norm relocated from Minnesota to South Florida where he lived for 15 years and worked in a variety of jobs including serving as an account executive for a travel association.
Eventually, the pull of family drew Norm back to Minnesota. Unfortunately, once he came home, his health began to deteriorate making work difficult. Norm managed to make do for a while by sharing a place in the Uptown neighborhood of Minneapolis. But everything turned upside down when life took a tragic turn — Norm’s roommate suddenly died. Unable to afford the rent on his own and with failing health making it hard to find employment, Norm feared the possibility of homelessness.
“That’s when I heard about Central Community Housing Trust,” said Norm. “I heard that they had housing for folks that can’t afford high rent.” For the past four years Norm has been living at Paige Hall, a CCHT property in downtown Minneapolis. “My home is of dire importance, I feel comfortable and safe here and I have access to the bus and shopping. I can live a stable life.” said Norm.
Right now Norm is optimistic about his future. With the security of his home he is able to focus on improving his health and exploring his options. He’s begun participating in a fitness program at the YMCA and is pursing a volunteer leadership role at CCHT. And while Norm might not be quite ready to hit the stage again, he is doing well. “I feel like I’m ready to be more active,” said Norm. “I feel like I can help people who have been through situations like mine, I feel good.”
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