That's how National Guard veteran James felt in September 2016, when he moved to a townhouse in Clarksburg with his wife Megan and their 9 year old daughter.
James had promised to his daughter that they would be reunited one day, following their family's experience with homelessness that caused them to be separated for more than a year.
In 2011, James met Megan, and they quickly fell in love. They eventually moved in with her mother and Megan's daughter from a prior relationship. He was working full time, and he asked Megan to marry him.
But soon afterwards, tragedy struck and changed their lives forever.
In 2014, James fell, causing a massive spinal injury. He is now unable to work due to his permanent disability from his injuries.
While he was recovering, Megan experienced a death in her family that unfortunately caused all of them to be displaced from their home. Megan's mother and daughter were taken in by another family member, but there simply was no room for James and Megan.
In early 2015, James and Megan became homeless.
After briefly sleeping in the streets, Megan found refuge at a local women's shelter. James found MCCH's
Home Builders Care Assessment Center (HBCAC), which serves 700+ men experiencing homelessness each year.
While at HBCAC, our staff informed James that he was eligible for permanent supportive housing through our
Operation Homecoming program, established in 2015 as part of our successful efforts to
end veteran homelessness in Montgomery County.
With the stability of a permanent home and the continued support of MCCH, James and Megan got married earlier this year and their daughter is now living with them again.
Reflecting on their lives in recent years, James says
"The biggest change is being married. We're a family now, and we have stability in our lives. I know my wife and daughter are safe."
They are especially grateful for the role MCCH continues to play in their lives. Their MCCH case manager Johanna is
"an angel sent from above. Knowing that she's just a phone call away is the biggest help."
