FROM HOMELESS TO HOME

HumanKind helps Larry get back on his feet after repeated homelessness

 

It all started with a trip to the hospital.

 

In January 2019, Larry, a 61-year-old Wichita native, had finally finished moving into his motorhome, a 1993 Fleetwood Bounder, when he noticed discomfort in his legs. After being rushed to the hospital, Larry was told that he had a blood clot, which would require surgery to remove.

 

While recovering from his surgical thrombectomy, a blood clot removal, Larry could not access his motorhome, so he stayed with a friend. Six weeks later, his friend asked him to move out and dropped Larry off at HumanKind’s Emergency Winter Shelter. Larry stayed at the Emergency Winter Shelter for one week before being relocated to The Inn, HumanKind’s shelter for individuals and families.

 

Finally feeling well enough to go home, Larry moved back into his Fleetwood Bounder in April 2019. Ten days later, Larry could tell that something was wrong. The discomfort in his legs returned. After another surgical thrombectomy and a six-month recovery in a rehabilitation center, once again, Larry could not live in his motorhome and was in need of shelter.

 

In December 2019, Larry went back to HumanKind’s Emergency Winter Shelter for a week until his daughter invited him to stay with her.

 

During that time, Larry began working again as a mailman, sold his motorhome, and moved into his own apartment.

 

About a year later, Larry began having other medical issues. Unable to work due to pain, Larry was forced to quit his job and he could no longer afford the rent for his apartment.

 

For the third time in three years, Larry found himself without a home.

 

Remembering his time at The Inn, Larry called to check bed availability and stayed there from July to October 2021. With the support provided by HumanKind staff, Larry was able to apply and be approved for a housing voucher. He was then able to afford a room at The Studios, part of HumanKind’s 155 affordable living units.

 

“I was so shocked that this apartment was all mine. I am so lucky to have it,” Larry said. “I have a fridge now, which means I can have chocolate milk whenever I want it!”

 

Grateful for his time at The Studios, in the summer of 2024, Larry decided that it was time for more independence and began looking for another apartment.

 

On July 28, Larry moved into his new apartment.

 

“I am so grateful for HumanKind,” said Larry. “Because of them, I was able to stay safe and off the streets.”

 

On behalf of the staff at HumanKind, we are excited for Larry in the next step of his journey. Larry found permanent housing by working with HumanKind case managers at The Emergency Winter Shelter, The Inn and The Studios. This work is made possible by HumanKind supporters like you.

 

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