He had moved here for a fresh start. His brother lives here so he thought he had a place to stay. The brother’s landlord wouldn’t allow him to stay, so he went to the homeless shelter. He searched and thought he had found a job. He was anxious to get into an apartment and out of the homeless shelter. He found one for $75 a week. He was so excited. When he went back to the employer to confirm his position, the employer had hired someone else. 

Now he had no way to pay for the apartment, no job, and he couldn’t go back to the shelter for 30 days. The denial from one agency stated he was denied because he moved to the community to receive public assistance and because he was unemployed. There was no help for rent there. Another agency denied him because he had no way to pay the rent in the future. We told him if he brought proof of employment by next Tuesday, we would pay the two weeks rent. We gave him a $5 gas voucher so he could look for work.

The very next day he brought in a letter from an employer. He would be making $10 an hour and working 40 to 50 hours a week. He was smiling from ear to ear. We paid the $150 rent and gave another $25 gas voucher. Tears of joy were streaming down his face. He appreciated everything we had done, especially the encouragement and belief that he really did want to work. He stated he was treated with dignity and respect here and that gave him the strength to continue.

-- Submitted by Janet Quinn, Salvation Army Case Worker
---------------------------------------
When you give to the United Way of Howard County, your gift funds "what mattersT"! You provide food and shelter to those in need, allow the elderly and the disabled to remain independent and provide kids with programs they need to learn and grow.

United Way of Howard County funds 16 agencies and more than 30 programs that serve over 80% of Howard County residents.

All donations to United Way of Howard County are used within Howard County. Learn how to donate your time or a monetary value.