Meet Reggie
(Photo by Nina K Photography)
For many years, Reggie supported himself by working multiple retail positions. Sadly, Reggie developed a serious heart condition which made being on his feet continuously for hours very painful and unsafe. Despite his health issues, Reggie kept putting in enough work hours to afford his basic needs and pay his rent.
Unfortunately, when the owner of his rental decided to sell the property, Reggie found out his lease would be ending and he would need to find a new place to live. With the limited number of rentals in the area and the high cost of rent, Reggie could not find an affordable alternative. Everything was out of reach for the budget he had been carefully balancing and his health continued to decline. Time eventually ran out. After his rental was sold, Reggie had no place to go and he began living outside in a tent.
Reggie’s experience is one that many of our community members face. Working long hours and multiple jobs is challenging at any age, but often gets progressively more difficult with age. Studies show that the risks for chronic health conditions increases significantly with age and that older adults are disproportionately affected by chronic conditions—95% of older adults have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 80% have two or more.
Recent data also shows that 48% of Maryland residents over over the age of 65 are now unable to afford adequate food, rent, or health care.
These vulnerable neighbors, like Reggie, often turn to The Light House in their time of need. We are thankful that after years of experiencing chronic homelessness, Reggie found The Light House.
After meeting with a staff member from our Safe Harbour Resource Center, Reggie soon moved into The Light House Residential Program and was provided with a safe place to sleep, food, and other vital wraparound care. With the help of his Light House Client Advocate, reggie was able to coordinate medical care, secure benefits, and better address the many challenges he had been previously facing alone. Reggie worked closely with staff to find housing and secure the connections and care needed to address his medical challenges.
After moving into his new apartment, Reggie shared, “I’ve met a lot of good people at The Light House. I’m grateful to now have the ability to maintain my housing and know that I won’t end up back on the streets.”
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Your support of The Light House ensures that our neighbors, like Reggie, have the life-changing programs and services they need to find their path back home.
