A New Beginning for Thomas
When Thomas first connected with Catholic Charities in June 2024, life had become incredibly difficult.
At 38 years old, he was living in an unsafe and inadequate environment after spending more than five years sleeping on a cot in a garage. He had no access to running water, heat, a bathroom, or reliable transportation. His circumstances had taken a severe toll on both his physical well-being and mental health.
Living with a serious mental health condition, Thomas struggled with feelings of shame, isolation, and hopelessness. His living situation made it difficult to maintain personal hygiene, and he often avoided interactions because he was embarrassed by his circumstances. Years of seeking help without meaningful results had also left him distrustful of service providers.
Building a relationship with Thomas wasn’t easy.
Although he desperately wanted stable housing, he was skeptical that anyone would follow through on their promises. During early meetings, he often voiced frustration about previous experiences and doubted that things would be any different this time. Yet his Care Manager remained committed. She continued showing up, even when conversations lasted only a few minutes.
That consistency made all the difference.
Over time, trust began to grow. Together, they worked through barriers that had prevented Thomas from moving forward. His Care Manager helped him obtain critical identification documents, reconnect with providers, complete housing applications, and navigate complex systems that often feel overwhelming for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
When Thomas missed interviews with potential landlords, he eventually shared the reason: he was deeply self-conscious about his appearance and hygiene. In response, his Care Manager helped connect him with resources where he could shower, wash his clothing, and obtain clean, appropriate attire. These seemingly simple supports restored some of the confidence he had lost.
Housing opportunities did arise, but many came with lengthy waiting lists. Meanwhile, Thomas’s living conditions continued to worsen his mental health. Throughout the process, his Care Manager remained his advocate, helping to identify new opportunities and ensuring no stone was left unturned.
After discovering that a previously discussed housing referral had never actually been completed, the Care Manager took the initiative to help start the process herself. She accompanied Thomas through assessments, appointments, and housing meetings, providing encouragement every step of the way.
That perseverance paid off.
Through coordinated efforts and continued advocacy, Thomas was connected to permanent supportive housing through Catholic Charities’ ESSHI program at LaFrance Apartments. After years of instability, he finally had a place to call home.
Moving day was emotional for everyone involved.
For Thomas, it represented far more than an apartment. It was safety, dignity, privacy, and the opportunity to rebuild his life. The day after moving in, he shared that he had taken “the longest shower ever” and felt comfortable for the first time in years.
Since moving into his apartment, Thomas has continued to thrive. He reports feeling happier, safer, and more hopeful about his future. His self-esteem has improved, and he is engaging more consistently with healthcare providers and support services. He is now more willing to ask for help when he is struggling, something he rarely did before.
Today, Thomas takes pride in maintaining his home and has even welcomed a dog, Lily, into his life. While he continues to manage mental health challenges, he now does so from a place of stability and support rather than crisis.
Thomas’ story is a testament to what can happen when compassionate professionals remain consistent, persistent, and committed. Sometimes changing a life begins with something as simple as showing up, again and again, until trust is built and hope is restored.