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Bob is a cheerful gentleman who once bravely served our country.
Through a series of unfortunate events, he headed into 2020 homeless. He found himself without shelter during the onset of the pandemic. Facing unprecedent uncertainties, a disrupted economy, mandated closures and a widespread local culture that tends to look down on the homeless, Bob felt hopeless being tussled around the streets of Redding. Prior to being accepted into the House of Cornelius Transitional Housing Program, Bob was sleeping bundled up near a trash enclosure for months. Like so many others who face homelessness, Bob has a recent eviction that arose from a difference of opinions that did not end well. Having an eviction can seem like a death sentence when renting is nearly impossible after the fact. Never giving up, he frequented the local Veterans Resource Center (Nation's Finest) with a walker in toe. It was there that the referral to FaithWorks was made.
Bob's cheerful disposition was contagious, especially after hearing his story and hardships. FaithWorks Director provided Bob with keys to his new temporary home and transported him to gather some items before settling in. Over the next several months, Bob transitioned well and began working on goals to obtain long term stability. Around that same time, FaithWorks was contacted by Vibe by California. The local dispensary reached out to donate a former delivery vehicle that had broken down. Vibe staff admitted that they were not very mechanical but thought that the vehicle could be repaired. The catch was, they insisted that the donation benefit veterans somehow. After FaithWork's maintenance man looked the vehicle over, it was towed to the Francis Court parking lot. Bob had no idea what was coming. With CSBG funding and some handy work by maintenance, a new window, battery and battery cables were installed. Despite being a little moist and covered in spider webs, the PT Cruiser ran beautifully.
Staff surprised Bob with the news. He was in tearful disbelief as he took the keys and checked out his new ride. Later he disclosed that to him, "the ride" is so much more. With an ongoing fear of ending up back on the streets, Bob has an extra layer of security knowing that he has a vehicle to sleep in if needed. Bob was supported in obtaining a smog, insurance and registration. Staff asked Bob to complete a thank you card for Vibe from California and this task overwhelmed him with emotion. He carried the card in his back pocket for weeks stating that he just couldn't put his feelings of gratitude into words. Bob now uses the vehicle to obtain groceries regularly, a chore that could easily take all day before. He has also recently used it to follow through on some important doctor's appointments that he has been avoiding for a long time. Bob has a heart condition that needs surgery but with his previous instability and lack of transportation, he was not able to easily make it to appointments. He is now on track to getting his beautiful heart taken care of and FaithWorks has no plans of allowing him to return to streets.
This is not the end of Bob's story but rather a new beginning. Thanks to the support of the community and an amazingly generous donation!
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