It’s lingered in the back of my mind: I served my country, protected people, and now, being a veteran, nobody seems like they give a damn whether I do or don’t.
When I first arrived at 2100, I was so stressed out that I just wanted to end my life – go down to the railroad track and wait for the first fast train to come by.
I’d pretty much been alone since 1992, and then homeless for 2 1/2 years. But at 2100 I met up with people on staff who got things going. They didn’t just put me on the top shelf and say, “Well, we’ll see what we can do.’
I completed the Housing Readiness class, and then John Souers drove me in his car to CMHA and helped me fill out an application for housing,. A few weeks later I was approved.
Now I’m more at ease, just knowing I can go to my own place, have my own key, have my own food.
I’d like to tell the men who are still at the shelter: don’t hide from the staff, tell them what you’re about, your goals in life. There’s a better life out there, and I found it.
– Robert Moncrief
