Mark Finds Resources at Catholic Charities
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 his home anymore. Mark lived in his car with his dog Piper for more than a year before finding help at Catholic Charities.
Support for Homeless Elders
Throughout his life, Mark worked as a machinist and at other manual labor jobs. At 69 years old, and after so many years of hard work, he says, “I never thought I’d be homeless sleeping in my car . . . 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 parking lot of a local grocery store. “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 which provides intensive case management and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable elders experiencing homelessness.
An Important Program and a New Home
Homelessness is especially hard on older adults. After years working manual labor, Mark struggled to eat healthy food and keep himself clean while living in his car. His health worsened, and he was scared.
“I would still be in my car [without Catholic Charities],” Mark said. “It wouldn’t have been good.”
Catholic Charities Homeless Elders team found a new home for Mark in just one month after he contacted them.
Support from Catholic Charities continued even after Mark moved into his apartment. Homeless Elders program staff helped him see a doctor and made sure Piper was safely kenneled while Mark stayed in the hospital. They also helped him furnish his new home once he was on the mend.
“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.
