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| Thankful for a Roof Over his Head Kevin knows his experience is unusual. His recent episode of homelessness didn’t last long. He moved out of his former apartment June 5, and by Sept. 3, he’d signed the lease for another, more affordable apartment. He quickly found housing because of Catholic Charities’ Rapid Re-housing Program, which helps people who’ve been homeless for less than a year get back into housing.
Kevin met his Rapid Re-Housing caseworker, Adrienne Hannert, while staying at Catholic Charities’ Pay-for-Stay Shelter, a $5 per-night emergency shelter with bunk beds and lockers above the Secure Waiting Space emergency shelter.
Kevin’s locker contained only a small bag of belongings and a backpack. He put the rest of his belongings in storage. He had enough monthly income to afford the storage unit and the $5 nightly fee at the shelter, but not enough money saved up for both rent and a security deposit on a new apartment. Adrienne helped Kevin find a place he could afford.
“I suggested he check out apartments through a landlord we work with a lot,” Adrienne said. “He went through the application process on his own, checking in with me regularly as worked through some issues that came up on his application. Then we helped him with a few hundred dollars of his first month’s rent so he could have a solid start when he moved into his place.”
“I did the work,” Kevin said. “I got on the phone and made the appointments. Then I told Adrienne when I went to an apartment and filled out the application. Without the financial assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to get the apartment. Rent is $638. From now on, I’ll be able to pay it all.
“This whole experience has been quite enlightening and a very religious experience for me, because I realized that God’s always with you,” Kevin said. “During this time, I was going to church every Sunday at Spirit of the Lake. By me going to church and praying, I got a place. I really think that had a lot to do with everything going okay and me being able to get through this whole ordeal. He answered my prayer.
“I’ve got a roof over my head,” Kevin said. “I’m very thankful right now and I’m doing well. I want to thank people for how nice they were to me. I’m just so thankful I’ve ended up here.”
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