Facing Homlessness

The following is the story of one woman who faced homelessness. Sister Alda Brady received this letter in January 2002. An edited version is reprinted here with permission.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to you today, first and foremost to thank Home Base Housing and the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul for being there at a time when I was totally at a loss as to what to do. I also wish to share my experience with you.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s was a very trying one for me, with none of the joy that we all anticipate. Being a trusting, gullible person, I paid my January rent early and because I was paying this money to a so-called friend, no receipt was deemed necessary. Due to circumstances beyond my control during that happy time of year, I found myself homeless for the first time in my 44 years.

Having no family to contact for financial or emotional help I went to my adoptive family, my dear Sister Alda Brady, Sister of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul, and the staff of In From The Cold, an emergency shelter. Here, I knew I would find people who truly do care and would be happy to provide some shelter during tough times to come.

I will never forget my experience during my stay at In From The Cold. Not only was I provided with a bed, clean linen, personal hygiene supplies and food, but I found out that they also supply so much more. They listen, without judging, to the problems and hurts of others, as well as to their happiness and accomplishments.

Visitors to In From The Cold must not stay longer than is really necessary so as to leave a space for someone else who may be in dire straights.

I pray for the strength to hang onto the happiness and the lessons I have learned. I hope that I have been able to adequately express my sincere gratitude.

With sincere gratitude,
Nancy