Homelessness Can Affect Anyone
Navigating Unexpected Crises
Eric is a successful architect who founded a national firm in the Twin Cities metro area. He spent decades organizing large projects and built a successful life for himself. But behind the scenes, Eric was struggling with anxiety and depression. He tried to manage it alone, but the pressure became too much.
He began self-medicating with alcohol. He went through in-patient treatments but was still struggling. Eventually, Eric’s marriage fell apart. Not long after, he fell and suffered a traumatic brain injury. This led to seizures and mounting medical issues that left him unable to walk or work.
Eric’s savings were drained. He was evicted from his apartment. Eric heard knocking one morning, and when he got to the door, “three sheriffs were there,” he remembered. “They served me the eviction notice and told me to take whatever I could carry.”
“I didn’t know how to survive being homeless, but the staff here showed me what to do—they helped me step by step.”
Finding Safety and Shelter
Eric has been staying at Dorothy Day Place since September of 2024. He has a bed at the overnight shelter. He has access to meals, laundry, and essential services at the daytime center across the street. Catholic Charities staff also connect Eric to medical care, therapy, and housing navigation.
“I didn’t know how to survive being homeless,” Eric says. “But the staff here showed me what to do—they helped me step by step.”
Dorothy Day Place Saves Lives
Eric’s case manager has helped him apply for benefits, get on the Section 8 housing waitlist, and maintain regular mental health treatment. Eric has now been sober for over a year. “I haven’t had a drink in 15 months,” he said. “I’ve got too much to live for now.”
Eric is also helping others. He hopes to become a certified peer recovery specialist. “I love talking to people, showing them the steps they can take,” Eric explained. “Because I’ve been there.”
Today, Eric is working to secure permanent housing and to heal. “This place saved my life,” he says. “You’ve got to give hope to people . . . Catholic Charities gave me that.”
