Mark Finds Resources for Homeless Elders
Mark’s Story
Mark was born and raised in St. Paul. When he lost his partner of 23 years to cancer, he couldn’t afford him home anymore. Mark lived in his car with his dog Piper for about a year before finding help at Catholic Charities.
Support for Homeless Elders
At 69 years old, and after working manual labor most of his life, “I never thought I’d be homeless sleeping in my car, ” Mark said. “It could happen to anybody nowadays.”
Mark bought a cheap car from one of his friends after losing his house. He and Piper lived in his car together, often sleeping in the Cub Foods parking lot in Maplewood. “I applied at every organization I could think of for help,” Mark explained. “[Catholic Charities Twin Cities] were the only ones that actually called me back and helped me.”
Mark was connected to Catholic Charities Homeless Elders program, one the provides intensive case management and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable elders experiencing homelessness.
An Important Program and a New Home
Catholic Charities Homeless Elders team found a new home for Mark in just one month after he contacted them.
And when Mark was recently in the hospital for a few weeks, Catholic Charities helped kennel Piper. One of the seemingly small services that makes a big difference when unexpected circumstances arise.
“When I moved in here, I said, ‘Piper, we ain’t going nowhere’,” said Mark. “The program is important, and when they say that they’re going to help you, they help you.”
Mark and Piper continue to live in a home of their own in St. Paul and receive services from the Homeless Elders team.
