Facilitating an individual’s transition into housing requires multiple procedures and structured collaboration. Here is a story from Heather Mingle, a Case Manager, who supported Jerome in his journey to permanent housing:
I met Jerome, a kind, 67-year-old gentleman, in September when he signed up for Social Services, asking for help in reviewing mail he had received. One item was a yearly review of his Section 8 housing voucher. Just months before, Jerome left his apartment and a relationship that caused him to lose his lease and his safe place. During his time of being unhoused, his wallet and cell phone were stolen. With no way to communicate, no ID, no EBT card, and no access to his social security income, Jerome was frustrated and down. He sat quietly for days at the Center, staying with friends at night when feasible, unsure what his next steps would be, unsure what his future would hold.
Assuming Jerome lost his Section 8 voucher, we contacted the Montgomery County Housing Authority to understand his voucher status. After contacting his Contract Control Specialist, he was informed that he could submit a recertification application and was tasked to collect the required documents to reinstate his Voucher. Seemed straightforward enough, but because Jerome’s ID had expired, we first had to apply for the Free Homeless ID that PennDot has offered since 2020 to anyone who lacks a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence. The very next day, Jerome set out to PennDot, he procured his ID, and headed to the Social Security Office to apply for a new Social Security card as well as obtain a printout of his Social Security Benefit page needed for recertification. Because Jerome needed an address to have his Social Security card sent to, he signed a mail contract with the Hospitality Center, allowing his mail to be delivered and sorted by our mailroom volunteers. We met the next day, filling out, signing, scanning, and sending the completed application to MCHA. Fingers crossed, we hoped for good news.
And good news we received! Jerome’s Section 8 voucher was approved! Jerome was now tasked to find an apartment, have an inspection completed by MCHA, and procure move-in costs all within 60 days. Jerome went to work. He called landlord after landlord and ultimately found an apartment through a friend’s recommendation for rent in Norristown, close to pantries and other services he would need. Together, we diligently filled out the rental application, scanned and sent it to the landlord for review. A few days later, we were given word that Jerome’s application was approved, and the application was sent to Jerome’s assigned Inspections/Leasing Coordinator at MCHA to set up a rental inspection. A week later, we were informed that the apartment had passed inspection, and a date for occupancy could be set. Everything at this point had gone smoothly and as planned. Jerome’s hard work and diligence had paid off. But the next challenge was finding funding for the move-in cost.
Jerome would need to come up with the first month, last month, and a security deposit to secure the apartment. We were given a week to make a commitment and make a deposit to hold the apartment. Together, we split the list of agencies that have funding for housing in Montgomery County, but every phone call was met with the devastating news that there was no funding. No funding, no money, no hope to secure housing. Jerome’s social security check from years of employment would hit his account on the 30th, but it would not be enough to secure the lease. Time was at a premium both for this apartment, as well as the clock was ticking to redeem or lose his Section 8 Voucher and his security to live his later years safe and housed. Trying not to show my hopelessness to Jerome, I pushed on, but I felt frustrated and defeated. We had less than a day with no funding, no money, no housing security, and no hope.
Then, on Friday, our final day to secure funding, an email came in from Pottstown Cluster at 12:47 pm. A client service specialist wanted to know more about my email inquiry and asked for a phone call at 1:30 PM. Pottstown Cluster has a small fund for older individuals who need help with housing and felt like Jerome’s situation would be a good fit. Our conversation confirmed that, and we went to work applying for the grant. We had an hour and a half to complete the application, including a printout of Jerome’s Welfare benefits declaration page, lease agreement, and the inspection application and report from MCHA. Phone calls and emails were sent, and by the grace of God, everything came in before closing, and Jerome was able to sign, scan, and send the application to Pottstown Cluster. We left the Hospitality Center for the weekend, hopeful that things were looking up and grateful that we just may have found our answer to Jerome’s funding needs, and ultimately the hope that Jerome would have the funding to secure his housing. And indeed we did! Jerome signed his lease on Monday, Pottstown Cluster generously provided the security deposit, and Jerome was given the keys to his new home and moved in on October 1st!
As I reflect back, I stand in awe and amazement at how many people working through different agencies and non-profits came together to make Jerome’s dream of having a place to call home a reality. Home, a place where Jerome can continue to age and have security, knowing that he is safe and housed. Individually, we are strong, but together we can do all things. Nothing is impossible when people work together for the common good of others. So, it is during this time of Thanksgiving that I am thankful for you, and I pray that we can continue to work together making a difference in the lives of others. Jerome is housed, mission accomplished. But there are many more Jerome’s here in Montgomery County, specifically in Norristown, who need teamwork to accomplish what seems impossible. Housing one person at a time – together we can make it happen!
Nobody can describe the difference we make in the community quite like our clients. They encourage each other, the Center’s staff, and volunteers with their success stories. We are thrilled to share some:
Raymond
“ [The] Hospitality [center] has given me the opportunity to successfully reintegrate back into society. Having spent 3 decades in mental hospitals and prison, I was quite frankly a broken man. I grew up on the streets of Philadelphia [where] addiction, abuse, violence, and chaos were everyday occurrences that warped my perception of the world. I was convinced society placed more emphasis on recycling garbage than human beings. [The] Hospitality [center] gave me hope to put the shattered pieces of my life back together. More importantly, they patiently and lovingly showed me the way by encouraging, advising, and directing me to welfare, social security, legal aid, food kitchens, and food pantries. I was homeless. [The] Hospitality [center] gave me clothes to wear, food to eat, [and] a place to wash. They gave me back my life and self-worth. Through [the center’s] generosity, I acquired a place to live, clothes to wear, welfare, S.S.I., a free Obama phone, and the love and dignity I need to continue down this road of redemption and rehabilitation.”
Sharon
Sharon came to the Hospitality Center in 2012, homeless, and with a long history of addiction. Susan Giancola our former case manager, worked with Sharon to address her mental health needs, housing needs and other basic needs of food, daytime shelter and clothing. Sharon was temporarily housed in a shelter and started receiving mental health treatment through a referral made by her case manager here. Sharon came to the Center regularly seeking emotional support during this time. She utilized our computer services at the Center and was able to create a resume and apply for jobs online. She got called to an interview at Giant’s and has been working there since early November 2016. Sharon is also on Methadone maintenance and is progressing well.
Brittany
Brittany (name changed for anonymity) has been a client at the Center for over 3 years battling with homelessness, drug, alcohol, and mental health issues. Brittany required intense case management and counseling. After 25 recorded contacts between her case manager at the Center and other agencies including health services, housing resources, pharmacy, mental health services, children and youth services, Brittany and her boyfriend have their own apartment. They have enrolled in Intense Outpatient Parenting classes, as well as therapy for drug and alcohol abuse. We also obtained various baby and household items through the Mitzvah Circle Foundation. After a short labor, the beautiful and healthy baby boy was allowed to go home with his mom under close supervision of Children & Youth services. Brittany is grateful for her second chance, and shared that if there was ever a reason to stay clean, it is this newborn. She just wants to be a good mom.
Reba
The Hospitality Center has helped me in more ways than you can imagine, and has never turned me down, and if they
The Hospitality Center has helped me in more ways than you can imagine, and has never turned me down, and if they didn’t have the answer, they can point you in the right direction.
You will never starve. You are never cold or hot, always comfortable. You can talk to just about anybody. They go above and beyond to help.
Lloyd
I come to the Hospitality Center for devotions. They have helped me get off the street, find a home, and a job, and friends. I still come to show my thanks for what they have done for me. The Center helps more than anyone else.
Paula
I was homeless. I stayed in a shelter, and the next morning they told me to go to the Hospitality Center. I came to the Center the first time and it was scary because of all the new faces. I never was homeless before. But when I came to the Center I found the place was filled with so much love and joy. The staff is so open hearted. They fed my 6-month-old son and me. They gave me clothes, and toys for my baby.
They made me feel like family. I came everyday, and I listened to the word to start my day off good. Then there were times that I came back and they helped me find housing and helped me with Christmas and Thanksgiving and jobs. This place is a blessing from God.
They are more family to me than my own family. The Hospitality Center is family when you have or when you don’t have. They are always making a way when you feel there is no way. They are my loving, sweet, warm family.
