Ninth District Opportunity’s Street Outreach was called to provide help to a family found living in a dumpster area behind a local fast food establishment. Cory was a forty seven year old man who angelically protected and cared for his eight seven year old mother.
When they were located, Cory was pulling two large suitcases and carrying trash bags full of their belongings. His mother was methodically scooting along with her walker behind him. When they were found that afternoon they hadn’t eaten that day and were hungry. Immediately they were provided meals from the fast food restaurant they were living behind.
Their needs was multiple and immediate which required cooperation with other agencies in the area. NDO partnered with a local homeless shelter to secure short term housing while longer term solutions were sought. Cory was found a job at the local hospital which he worked diligently and honorably to help himself and his mother.
Cory and his mother originally came to Gainesville for a job. However on the way to the area, they were involved in an accident with someone without insurance. Unable to repair the car and having limited finances, the family’s options were limited. When funds ran dry, they found no alternative but to set up shelter in the trash area for safety.
Ninth District Opportunity Rapid Re-Housing project soon found available housing that was in walking distance to Cory’s job at the hospital. Due to the family’s literally having nothing but the clothes they could carry, Ninth District Opportunity put out a request to the community.
In the days before the family was scheduled to move in, NDO put out a call for action for this wonderful family. Within a week, concerned community members along with churches and organizations stepped up and provided all the resources the family needed to move into their new home and exist comfortably. Beds, linens, kitchenware, food, pots and pans, blankets, pillows, silverware, chairs and tables, personal hygiene needs, as well other supplies were provided such that the house overflowed with donations.
Tears of joy flowed down Cory and his mother’s face when NDO opened the door for the first time for the family to see their fully stocked and functional home. Community members and case managers were so encouraged and motivated to continue along the path they were on.
In short time, the family became self-sufficient and independent. Between Cory’s income from work (which steadily improved) and his mother’s retirement, they were able to navigate all their monthly responsibilities alone. Sadly, but happily at the same time, the family exceeded the income limits to stay qualified for the Rapid Rehousing Program and had to be discharged.
When case managers followed up to see how the family was progressing months later, they were happy to hear the family was stable and Cory’s income had increased yet again to the point where they were starting to set up regular savings.
NDO at work.
***Follow up to this remarkable story. The landlord called the agency to inform them the Cory’s great big heart had finally given out and he died in his sleep in his cozy bed. His mother was taken in by a long lost family member.
