shelter&stability
Winter
2018
News from Willis Dady Homeless Services
From Shelter to Stability
Robert and Marie: A Love Story
I met Robert and Marie last September after a referral from a social worker at Mercy Medical Center. Both battle physical and chronic disabilities, from heart problems to cancer, as well as a brain injury that requires numerous medications. Yet with all these challenges, Robert and Marie are the happiest couple I’ve ever met. They’d been staying with a family member until they were kicked out. After that, they bounced back and forth between staying in their car and a hotel room paid for by their church, by church members or by anyone willing to help. Robert and Marie have been together for more than 10 years, but had never gotten married, thus they were ineligible for the only shelter
that takes couples without children. They were unable to stay in separate shelters because they keep track of each other’s medicine and appointments.
Unfortunately, they wouldn’t be able to move in until December. That would mean another month of homelessness.
I immediately referred them to an income-based housing complex that allows tenants to pay no more than 30% of their income as rent. There’s a long waiting list for this facility, but priority is given to people with disabilities and/or homelessness. Because Robert and Marie were saddled with numerous medical issues as well as homelessness, they were moved up on the waiting list.
I am so happy to report they are doing well. This devoted couple is now married!
As the weather worsened, They’d also never been away sleeping in their car affected Robert from each other and weren’t sure and Marie’s physical and mental how they’d handle it while in health. Both spent nights in the crisis. They were hospital. Although very dedicated to each one is the rock “Robert and each other. and stability for the Marie are the other, they began to They are with their definitely soul happiest couple struggle living situation. mates — you can I’ve ever met.” We worked with the see it. They say they almost have a housing organization sixth sense on knowing when one and were able to expedite Robert is feeling down and how to make and Marie’s entry to their apartment the other one smile. in early November.
Their church not only helped pay for them to get married but also helped furnish their entire apartment and gave them a community here in Cedar Rapids. -Emily Zimmon, Prevention Specialist
Willis Dady’s vision is to empower clients to break the cycle of homelessness and become self-sufficient.