John’s In-Home Services Story

When John was in his mid-20s, he was completely on his own. He didn’t have family to lean on, no medical or dental insurance, and nowhere to go. After having money stolen from him, he was unable to pay rent, which led him to sleep outside. The experience not only left him homeless but also led him to being hospitalized due to severe skin issues. John emphasizes, “I wish I had known about Reach back then.”

Things began to turn around when Reach for Resources stepped in. They first did a story on him while he worked at a local metal shop, which led to him being featured on the front cover of a newsletter. From there, Reach’s In-Home Services helped John with his situation by finding an apartment. It was the first time he had a stable and safe place to stay. He says, “If it hadn’t been for Reach, I would probably be lying somewhere outside right now.”

After finding an apartment, John was able to access other assistance, such as getting medical and dental insurance with the help of Reach. He also received a fixed amount of income from the government, which gave a sense of consistency. Though he still had medical bills, his employers, Paul and Dan, often stepped in to help cover the costs, deducting repayments from his paycheck. Despite all of this, John felt a sense of guidance and support through Reach.

Today, John enjoys his new apartment and says, “It’s nice and quiet,” unlike many of his previous places where he would often hear sirens and police cars, which created a sense of anxiety. The new calm environment has helped him feel a sense of peace. He also likes the exercise room, which has many treadmills and weights.

When asked what advice he would give to others, he said, “Reach can help you get out of your situation, even if you’re financially fit.” He emphasized that no matter what situation you are in, whether it be homelessness, medical bills, or in need of extra support, Reach has the resources to make a difference in your life. He’s grateful Reach came into his life at the right time and hopes others can experience the same