I Am Hearth: Donald

I view homelessness as a three-step journey, 1) going into homelessness, 2) being homeless, 3) living life after homelessness.  This is my unique story. 

Five years ago, I was preparing for retirement when unexpected health issues arose and I lost my job.  My goals and expectations for the future began to rapidly dissipate and an inevitable tailspin of hardships commenced. As my physical health deteriorated, my mental health also declined. My thought process was challenged beyond balance. My emotions entered intensity levels too ashamed to share. Finances had become depleted resources. I was on my way to homelessness.

Confused, frightened, and hopeless; I entered a homeless shelter. My aim, restore my broken life with the goal to find a new home. However, this process was daunting and a prolonged task. During my time at the shelter, It became common knowledge that I was an Air Force veteran, but unfortunately, I did not meet the VA criteria for homelessness. Therefore, I was referred to an agency with a mission to end elder homelessness. Hearth became my advocate and source of hope during this difficult time in my life.

For almost a year I was on an emotional roller coaster, dealing with overwhelming mental and physical challenges. Hearth’s Outreach caseworker helped to stabilize my life by setting up various doctor appointments, taking away the fear of the housing application process, and serving as my advocate with several housing authorities in the city.  Guided by their knowledge, concern, and support, housing became a reality three months later.

The journey from homelessness to housed is often scary and intimidating.  Now I was preparing for life after homelessness.  Being freshly housed created a new challenge. How was I going to make my new house feel like a home?

These fears quickly dissipated on the day I received my new keys.  I was amazed to learn as part of my stabilization and support services from Hearth, I would receive a house warming delivery containing essential bedroom, kitchen, bath, and living room items. The next day, a congratulatory call came from Hearth regarding the housing achievement and included confirmation of the delivery of the furnishings.

I am beyond grateful for Hearth and my case manager for being there every step of the way in my journey from homelessness to finding a home of my own!