Patti & Angel
Last fall, Patti planted yellow tulips to brighten up the flag poles at Shepherd Home. As you read the following story, we invite you to envision these beautiful blooms, a symbol of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of your support.
Please meet Patti, a retired hairdresser, her husband Angel, a US Army Veteran and chef, and their dog Diego who found themselves facing unimaginable challenges when the pandemic struck.
“Never in our wildest dreams did we think of the domino effect that COVID would have.”
After the loss of Patti’s mother and her family home, Angel lost his job as a result of the pandemic. He also stopped treatment for his mental health struggles. Tensions ran high as the three were forced to move to a hotel.
“It just went down to the last nickel and dime.”
They hocked their possessions, including Patti’s diamond ring, to afford the hotel. Desperate, with nothing left to sell, Angel called a Veteran’s help hotline and was referred to our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. The next morning, a Columbus House case manager relocated them to a hotel that we were operating thanks to emergency pandemic funding and our loyal supporters who provided food and supplies for clients.
“Our companionship helped us get through so much during that year and a half.”
They spent over a year in the small hotel room while working with Columbus House staff to find a place they could afford, keep Diego, and rebuild their lives. Angel also worked at reconnecting with his doctor and stabilizing his mental health.
“Lisa helped us with all the tasks that needed to be done…all the paperwork…the vet, the bank, letters from Social Security, just everything.”
Lisa, an SSVF Healthcare Navigator, eventually helped the three secure an apartment at Shepherd Home – a historic 1920’s nurse’s quarters restored by Columbus House to provide 32 units of housing for formerly homeless Veterans. Patti and Angel now have a cozy place on the second floor, but their journey there was not without further obstacles.
“Lisa went the extra mile to ensure that we had a warm safe place to live.”
Diego, Angel’s emotional support dog and a former bomb-sniffing canine for the US Army, needed an updated rabies vaccination to move into Shepherd Home. Angel and Patti were able to obtain funds for Deigo’s checkup and vaccines thanks to a COVID-19 Emergency Grant from The Bob Woodruff Foundation. At last, in November, 2021 they moved into their new home.
“And here we are, working, loving life, got a new car, Diego’s healthy…”
When first moving into Shepherd Home, Patti and Angel had little left. They had sold or forfeited most of their belongings that were in a storage unit they could no longer afford. Welcome Kit funds – donated by friends like you – allowed them to shop for household necessities like bedding and cleaning supplies. With these items, Patti was thrilled to begin making their apartment a home.
Thanks to your support and the steadfast dedication of Lisa, Angel and Patti secured part-time jobs, purchased a vehicle, and can now afford Diego’s veterinarian visits. Patti has taken up crafts and formed a “Crafty Vets” club with other residents of Shepherd Home.
From the uncertainty of a cramped hotel room to the warmth of a cozy apartment, their story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Sadly, their experience reflects a larger crisis facing our community. On March 26th, there were 5,240 people experiencing homelessness in our state – the highest number ever recorded.
Last year, of the 2,300 men, women, and children served by our programs, over 450 were Veterans like Angel – 252 of whom were moved out of homelessness and into stable housing, thanks to your dedicated support.
Our commitment to providing life-saving services remains resolute, but we cannot do it alone. As the number of our neighbors facing housing insecurity continues to climb, the need for support has never been greater.
Please consider giving generously today, so that together, we can ensure that every individual facing homelessness can bloom and thrive in their own affordable home.
Thank you for your dedication to our mission!
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