In April, IPH Deputy Director, Kristen, visited our seasonal shelter, Safe Haven, to talk with our guests and learn how we can better meet the needs of our community. During that visit, she met James:
James has been dealt a rough hand in life, growing up around drugs and crime, and falling into addiction at an early age. Earlier this year, James was shot after being robbed while sleeping on the streets and he came to the realization that he wanted to live a better life making a commitment to find sobriety.
After being discharged from the hospital, James began staying at Safe Haven, but his health struggles were far from over. James needed another surgery but planned to cancel because he didn't have a safe place to recover.
This is a choice no one should have to make, so Kristen got to work to find a room for James at our Sister Mavis Jewell Medical Respite program. There James would receive 24/7 support, focus on his physical and mental health, and get connected to long-term health resources.
Recently, it was James' birthday and he shared that being able to stay at our Medical Respite was the best birthday gift he could have received. With a renewed hope for the future, James says that he wants to spend the rest of his life giving back. He knows he can help others coming from similar backgrounds and is working towards becoming a peer advocate.
It is through the ongoing support from our community of caring individuals working to make a difference in the lives of people like James, that we can extend our reach and ensure that everyone has a chance to find stability, dignity, and a place to call home.
By
Meghan Meyerson IPH (Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless)
Director of Donor Experience meghanm@iphny.org