Consistent Health Care Helps One Man Gain Stability
For 15 years, Rolyn Shaw’s depression was so severe that it forced him into homelessness. He lived in a few different states, held jobs off and on, but never had the health care he needed, until he sought help at Catholic Charities’ Dorothy Day Center.
“I never had insurance, so I never had depression medications,” Shaw explained. “Some people have severe mental health problems. Catholic Charities is there in answering the call for them.”
At the Dorothy Day Center, Shaw connected with Healthcare for the Homeless to receive medical treatment and help in applying for medical assistance. This government-run, supportive service is provided free of charge to homeless people who seek help at several Catholic Charities’ Housing and Emergency Services programs.
“For a man who for so many years didn’t care whether he lived or died, I can now see hope in my future,” Shaw said.
An Upward Path
With his increased stability, Shaw moved from the shelter to Catholic Charities’ Mary Hall’s transitional housing program.
“Mary Hall gave me the ability to settle down, get stabilized and start in a positive direction,” he said. “I could see hope and promise at Mary Hall.”
Determined to build upon this hope, Shaw secured a part-time job and entered an occupational rehabilitation training program. He eventually moved into Catholic Charities’ St. Christopher Place, an affordable apartment building.
“Catholic Charities’ ability to treat every individual as unique in their own problems and aid them to gain back respect for themselves […] is phenomenal beyond recognition,” he said.
