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Summer 2010 Newsletter

A Modest Man

 “Abraham*” does not fit the stereotype of what many of us think of when you say “chronically homeless.” Some may think of a person you see on the street wearing multiple layers of clothing, talking to them self, begging for money,  pushing a shopping cart, with  no desire to turn their life around. On the contrary, Abraham is clean shaven, nicely dressed, well spoken, well mannered and intelligent.  He also breaks the stereotype that the homeless are jobless, without skills and no work history. Abraham  worked for many years in the carpentry construction industry but through a series of unfortunate occurrences found himself living in his van. As he said, “You don’t have to be poor; many people from all walks of life can become homeless.”

Abraham calls his story one of recovery and he dedicates it to the people and agencies that have supported him. Marco, Glenn, and Michael from RSSI; Colleen, Nancy and Vanessa from Wicker Park Place, and Lena and staff from Thresholds Peer Success. Abraham believes, “Without them, their support, I would not be sitting here. They saved my life.” He forgets—or is it modesty— that he was the one who accepted the help, chose to listen, and did the work needed to get his life back on track. There were some stumbling blocks along the way, but with the acceptance of the support given to him, he picked himself up and moved forward.

Abraham was working in carpentry construction when a steel bar fell on his head, almost knocking him out.  As standard procedure he filed a workman’s compensation claim. The company did not approve and wanted him to drop the case, pressure from them mounted daily and Abraham started to feel depressed. He turned to alcohol to numb this depression and then got a DUI. This added to his depression. 

Abraham ended up losing his job and was black balled in the carpentry construction field. He  decided to start his own business. During this time his mother Theresa became ill with cancer. Being a caring and giving person he did not think twice about moving in with her and became her primary caretaker, putting his business on hold. He cooked, cleaned, gave personal care and took her to her appointments also. When she entered the hospital he made a chair into his bed, he hardly left her side. Abraham did the same when she went to a nursing home. He fondly recalls these times, though sad and painful, as quality time  with his mother that had joyous moments as well. She was dependant on him, and  he on her.  When she finally passed away in his arms he had been taking care of his mother, full-time, with family support, for approximately 1.5 years. 

Money ran out by this time, the economy was bad and Abraham couldn’t find work. He fell gravely ill and had to have emergency surgery.  The healing process was slow and made even more difficult in that he was now living in his van.

During this period of depression and despair he found Thresholds Peer Success. He was diagnosed with chronic depression and anxiety.  In January, Peer Success introduced Abraham to RSSI. Through RSSI’s  Chronic Homeless Initiative he obtained his own apartment and access to on-site case management services through Marco, his primary case manager, and the rest of RSSI’s staff members. “Not only does Marco help me, I also consider him a friend.” After much work, Abraham now realizes that he needs to stay on his medication for his mental health issues, an important element in maintaining his stability.  The combination of RSSI’s services, Peer Success and a grief support group helps him to feel stronger each day. As he heals physically he is also healing mentally and spiritually.

Today, Abraham wants to give back by  giving other program participants a helping hand whenever he can. “I know that the staff is overwhelmed and overworked, and there isn’t enough funding for more staff, I want to help and volunteer any way I can.” Abraham now looks forward to each day and his future.  For all that life has thrown his way; he is an inspiration to those around him. He offers one of the best gifts anyone can give - hope.

Post Script: “Thank you God! Gift of Life. Special thoughts and prayers to my mother, father and family.” Abraham.

*Not his real name.