Success Stories
Rex’s Story
Saturday, 29 August 2009 15:05
My journey to homelessness started most abruptly when medical bills started arriving after I had a quadruple bypass surgery in May 2004. By 2007, I had sold and relinquished most of my assets and was trying to live on disability payments; but it was impossible. By 2008 I was spent. I had given up everything, moved into the Veterans Home in Barboursville and remained there for eight months. During this time, I heard of the new Veterans home being built in Charleston.Joe
Monday, 17 August 2009 10:58
Joe has been entering our emergency shelter program at the Giltinan Center on and off for over fifteen years. Over the years he has had a variety of successes and setbacks that have allowed him to move out of the shelter; but have also caused him to move back into the shelter. Around ten years ago, Joe was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and he began to take medication. Unfortunately Joe did not like the side effects and quickly stopped taking this medication. For many years, Joe would travel between several cities, always finding work, working for a short period of time and losing the jobs based on symptoms related to his mental illness.Phil
Thursday, 23 April 2009 02:08
Phil came to RSLC’s Giltinan Center the later part of November 2007. He didn’t want a bed; just wanted to stay in the foyer out of the weather. Phil was not allowed into other facilities due to extreme personal hygiene issues that resulted in a strong odor. Phil had not bathed or changed clothes in over two years; nor had he had a hair cut or shaved. He was asked on a daily basis, by multiple staff members, if he would like to come into the shelter as a resident, take a shower and change into new clothes; but his response would always be that he was ok. Phil would never engage in conversation; keeping his answers short with a yes or no response.Edward
Thursday, 23 April 2009 02:06
RSLC staff first began working with Edward in April 2005 when he became a resident at our Giltinan Center. Over the next three years, Edward would have five intakes at GC and would eventually become a resident at our Twin Cities Center. In August 2008, Edward was discharged from TCC and moved in with friends. By the end of August, he was sleeping on the streets. SHAPE staff began working with Edward and his girlfriend on obtaining safe, affordable housing. Edward was diligent about following up with staff.
Ryan
Thursday, 23 April 2009 02:06
Ryan entered the Giltinan Center November 2007 with no income or employment. During his stay at GC, he worked with his Case Manager and Aftercare Specialist to obtain a photo ID, birth certificate and SSN card. After staying at GC for four months, he got a job at a telemarketing agency on Charleston’s Westside. He began saving 75% of his income (per GC regulations).He eventually saved enough money for an apartment deposit and 1st month’s rent. In August 2008, Ryan received the keys to his own apartment and is continuing to work with his Aftercare Specialist. Ryan is also in the process of continuing his education; seeking financial aide from WVSU.Page 1 of 2
