Mike and Adam have been long-time friends and Nevada County residents. And when they both found themselves homeless, they looked to each other for support. As they engaged with Hospitality House’s case management services, it seemed natural for them to consider sharing an apartment. They started looking at apartments together. What better way to ensure success in permanent housing – sharing in the household expenses while also having a best friend to rely on when challenges arise.
Adam came to Utah’s Place after he lost occupancy of his trailer in Nevada City. With nowhere to turn, Adam sought shelter at Utah’s Place, initially thinking it would be a place where he could stay for a night until he figured out his next step. From the moment he arrived at the shelter, Adam made use of all the available support services, immediately becoming an active participant. Amy, Adam’s caseworker, described him as “eager and willing,” clearly absorbing every resource to better his life.
Throughout Adam’s life, he struggled with dyslexia, making it impossible for him to read and hold down a job. At 66 years old, with two heart attacks and a stroke behind him, he can no longer perform physical labor like he used to, taking on small jobs here and there to supplement his fixed income of social security. Losing his trailer was not part of his plan, and becoming homeless was certainly not on his radar. He never imagined facing the challenges of homelessness in his retirement years.
Not long after Adam arrived at Utah’s Place, his long-time buddy, Mike, a Grass Valley native, also showed up at the shelter. Mike’s living situation also fell apart unexpectedly, and he needed support from Hospitality House to regain independence. Mike had worked as a Nevada County firefighter for decades. Struggling with PTSD from his years of repeated trauma and death that was a regular part of his job, Mike felt ill-equipped to handle this life challenge alone. Like Adam, Mike’s body reflected the years of hard work, and part of the journey to better health required hip surgery.
When the staff learned about Mike’s hip pain, they encouraged him to see a doctor. His case worker provided him with the necessary transportation to get his surgery, and upon release from the hospital, he was able to recover through Hospitality House’s recuperative care program. This program, designed to provide a safe environment for rest, recovery, and healing, offers those experiencing homelessness the opportunity to get their medical needs addressed that would not otherwise be possible.
Mike’s recovery, although slow, had the unwavering support of the shelter’s staff, which helped him to keep his spirits up and get back on his feet much sooner. He said their encouragement and assistance, especially during his tough times, kept him motivated to heal and secure a place to live. Jacob, Mike’s case worker, described Mike as “unrelenting in his perseverance.”
Having his friend Adam around was a big source of support. The friendship between the two was strong, and Adam shared that during his lifetime struggle with dyslexia, Mike was someone he knew he could count on, a trusted friend. Mike also helped Adam with his financial issues, offered him rides, and assisted with completing paperwork when needed. They were even roommates in the past. Adam shared that the only person he was closer to than Mike was his dog, DeDe, whom he described as his “ride or die.” DeDe, also a shelter stayer at Utah’s Place, received the necessary veterinary services she required through Hospitality House’s pet assistance program. This service helps homeless pet owners to care for their pets through quality food, veterinary care, vaccinations, and occasional surgeries if necessary.
Since Adam and Mike were so close and had previously lived together, they decided to become housemates. They looked at numerous options in Nevada County and, not surprisingly, were met with initial disappointment. With rental shortages and high costs, their search went on for months. When their case workers recommended looking outside of the area, Adam was hesitant. He was expecting his son to move back to Nevada County and wanted to be nearby in case that happened. Both men preferred to stay local as Nevada County was their home.
When Adam heard that his son had made other plans, the two decided that if it took moving out of the area to find a new place to call home, then that’s what they would do. Not long after making that decision, Mike and Adam secured a beautiful two-bedroom apartment in a senior living complex near Sacramento. Other than the move, it was a dream come true.
Mike, Adam, and DeDe celebrating their new apartment with case managers Jacob and Amy.
Today, they are thrilled to have a place to call home. They have each other and DeDe to start their new chapter. All three are healthier and happier than they’ve been in a long time and are looking for furniture to decorate their space. When asked how the two were doing, case worker Amy shared that they are “enjoying their newfound freedom of having a place of their own again.”
Success stories like these serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of friendship and the value of perseverance. These two men made the best of the situations they were in, utilizing the tools and resources made available to them. They leaned in to receiving help and were willing to do whatever it took to move their lives forward – even if it meant relocating outside the area to achieve their goals. Their success is also a testament to the dedication and hard work of the shelter’s staff, who provide crucial support and guidance to individuals like Adam and Mike. Clients who are so motivated to improve their lives are an inspiration to us all and a great reminder of why Hospitality House exists.
To help more people like Adam and Mike get the support they need to return to a life of stability, visit ww.hhshelter.org/donate or call 530-615-0852 to make a donation and/or learn about current volunteer opportunities.