Two Local Seniors Find Their Way Home – From Tragedy to Triumph
Homelessness is a growing crisis in Nevada County, fueled by soaring living costs and a significant lack of affordable housing. Many residents find themselves without a secure place to call home. Hospitality House dedicates itself to supporting those in need on their path to housing, even amidst instability and dwindling public funding for emergency shelters. I’m excited to share the stories of community members John and Bret, who demonstrate the incredible difference your contribution can make. I invite you to join our mission and donate today to support other local residents on their journey back home.
John’s Story
From Heartbreak to Home: John lived in Truckee, working a public service job that he loved. He enjoyed being outdoors and felt fortunate to have his loving wife, Marylynne, at his side. They were married for 23 years, enjoying life the best way they knew how until Marylynne got sick and passed away. It was a shock. John was no stranger to grief, but the loss was devastating. He was completely alone now, as his only child had passed away before even celebrating his first birthday.
John sitting in his new studio apartment
Adding to his despair, John could no longer afford to live on his one income. The bills piled up, and the compounding pressures became too much. John quickly lost all sense of purpose. He gave up on life, started calling in sick to work, and eventually lost his apartment.
John ended up living out of his vehicle. He tried to hide himself in the woods, but even that became a problem. One day, a police officer found him sleeping in his parked car. The Officer explained that he could not stay there and referred him to a place that could help. That place was Hospitality House.
“Hospitality House gets two thumbs up from me!” John said when asked about his time at Utah’s Place.
Lonely, afraid, and with a deep hole in his heart, John needed support from people who cared. The Hospitality House community became like family and provided him with the space and time to properly mourn and begin the next steps toward rebuilding his life. He was so thankful to have his most basic needs taken care of – a place to safely sleep, healthy food to eat, and a bathroom complete with shower facilities. “These are all things we sadly can take for granted,” he said.
John’s poor financial circumstances had become a barrier to securing housing. His case manager, Jessica, assisted him in exploring his options. As Jessica got to know him better and understand his situation, she discovered John was entitled to survivor benefits from his late wife’s retirement pension, and John himself had contributed to two retirement plans that he could access given his age. Jessica also helped him get his car into the dealership for repair and renewal of his car registration, as he wanted to sell his vehicle to have a cushion for living expenses moving forward.
John secured a studio apartment in a 55+ community in Grass Valley. His case manager, Jessica, facilitated access to a payee services company that manages his finances – paying John’s bills on time and helping him to live within his means. John is now settled in at his new home and looking toward a future with stability and hope.
“I am more than thankful as I don’t know where I would be without the help of Hospitality House.”
Bret’s Story
A Journey of Healing: Bret is a 62-year-old Nevada County resident who became homeless after a work injury left him on the brink of paralysis. Although Bret regained his ability to walk, Bret could not return to work. He did not have insurance available to him through his job and could no longer afford his rent. As a result, he was asked to vacate his home.
During a hospital stay, a friend recommended Hospitality House. This friend had previously benefited from the support provided by Hospitality House and was now living in stable housing as a result. Encouraged
by the recommendation, Bret reached out for assistance. The hospital arranged for his transportation to Utah’s Place, Hospitality House’s community emergency shelter, and referred Bret to Hospitality House’s Recuperative Care dorm.
Bret’s stay at Utah’s Place lasted eight months. While it wasn’t the plan, Bret needed to recover before he could take his next steps toward independent living. Bret’s Case Manager, Fred, promptly connected him with a primary care provider and provided referrals to other social services to aid in his long-term stabilization. Hospitality House provided transport services to Bret’s doctors and physical therapy appointments.
Hospitality House worked with other local non-profits in a collective effort to facilitate Bret’s application for Social Security Disability benefits and a permanent housing solution. This February, Bret successfully secured an apartment in Nevada City, providing him with a place to call home once again. He is particularly happy with his new kitchen, where he can resume his passion for cooking and share it with others.
While both John’s and Bret’s stories have happy endings, how they became homeless is not all that uncommon. One bad accident or a death in the family can create circumstances that make it impossible for people to maintain their housing. Thankfully, in Nevada County, Hospitality House is here to help – day in and day out, 365 days a year.
However, Hospitality House’s ability to serve the community is dependent on that same community’s generosity. The truth is that Hospitality House cannot do what we do without your financial contributions. Your donations are vital and make a difference. This spring, we are reaching out to ask you to make a gift. Please give whatever amount you can. No gift is too big or too small.
Together, we can and are making an impact.