When I first came to House of Hope CDC, I was tired of living on the streets and wanted
to turn my life around. I’m the guy you’ve probably heard of who six years ago was
crushed by a garbage truck when the dumpster I was sleeping in was emptied in before
I could scream for help. I was a broken man – physically and emotionally. But I knew I
couldn’t go back to the life I was living, so I took all the steps needed to survive – I went
through the emergency shelter, I moved into a supportive housing program called
Conway at House of Hope, and eventually I moved into my own apartment thanks to
House of Hope CDC.
Living at the Thomas Wilbur Homestead, part of House of Hope’s permanent housing,
has changed my life. The property is beautiful. We cook for ourselves, clean for
ourselves, and have our own space. I feel like I am on my own. It’s a little scary; it’s a lot
of trust. But we still have an amazing support system. I have purpose in life and look
forward to each day. I take pride in my apartment, but also in my neighborhood. Come
by – you’ll probably see me out there raking, shoveling, watering the plants, sweeping
the sidewalk, chatting with neighbors while I help unload their groceries, or walking to
local shops. Every year I put up all of the holiday decorations and Christmas lights.
Earlier this year, I got a letter of thanks from the Apponaug Area Improvement
Association thanking me for what I do to keep this neighborhood – my neighborhood –
looking good. I’ve somehow gotten the nickname “Mayor of Apponaug” but really, I’m
just being a good neighbor. I’m glad that I’m finally at a place where I can give back to
the community that has given me so much. That’s what makes House of Hope special –
they didn’t just give me a house, they gave me a community. And I’m proud to be a part
of that.