A chronically homeless man's journey from the woods to Good Shepherd Center and eventually to housing

John's story reminds us that, however hopeless a situation may seem, intervening with emergency services can and does lead to long-term success even for the most unlikely of candidates. Mentally disabled, he had made the woods of Wilmington his home for more than 15 years. He kept to himself, scrounging for food and avoiding interaction with others, which only seemed to feed his anxiety. Over the years, fending for himself, his health began a steep decline.

About 5 years ago, he lost his sight in one eye and then the other, now alone, blind, and more vulnerable than ever. Caring police officers who encountered him on their sweeps would periodically offer to bring him to the shelter, but he always declined. This continued until December 2006, when his body was about to give out and John allowed a Good Samaritan to drop him off at Good Shepherd's Night Shelter. He was 70 years old, but appeared closer to 90. Frail and hunched over, with almost no socialization for 15 years, John could scarcely walk or talk. The staff secured a wheelchair for him. Other male guests of the shelter took turns bathing him because he could not do so himself. Each night the staff half expected John to pass away during the night, consoled by the thought that he would do so in a safe environment among people who loved him.

Around the holidays, John agreed to let a volunteer cut his hair and shave him, taking years off of his appearance and seemingly putting a twinkle in his eye. About the same time, he gave up the wheelchair and began walking with a cane. He was less stooped when he stood, and began attempting conversation and even jokes with trusted staff and fellow guests. Good Shepherd Center's nurse arranged for John to receive two surgeries for his eyes, with shelter staff and volunteers providing his transportation and follow-up supervision. By April 2007, vision was restored to both of John's eyes.

Meanwhile, Good Shepherd staff had been working diligently to establish both Medicaid and Social Security for John. It soon became clear, because of his miraculous progress, that he was an ideal candidate for permanent supportive housing or even assisted care. We helped John identify and visit multiple nursing care facilities for which he was income eligible and which would meet his housing, mental disability, and health care needs. Just eight months after meeting him, John transitioned out of the shelter and into one such program, crying as he said goodbye to the staff and volunteers who had helped him win back true quality of life.