Bittersweet Goodbyes

This past week, the Urban Connection bid a bittersweet farewell to two of our regulars, Billy & Michelle, who have recently secured housing that will get them off the streets and on the road to a better life.

Billy in His New House!

Billy has been a regular face at the Urban Connection for as long as anyone can remember. When he first came to the Urban Connection, he rode around in an old wheelchair. His hands were torn up from having to wheel himself around all the time, but his spirits were still bright. He was always ready to give a smile or tell a story.

Shortly thereafter, Billy’s smile got even bigger as the Urban Connection helped coordinate the delivery of his brand-new ELECTRIC wheelchair. Now Billy was riding in style, his hands were able to heal, and his spirits were higher than ever. Billy became a mainstay at the Urban Connection, bringing joy to the faces of everyone he came in contact with.

Michelle Checks Out Her New Home!

Michelle was a newer addition to our family.  At the beginning of December, Paul Chisham found Michelle crying on the street. Her wheelchair was broken, rain was pouring down, and she had nowhere to go. Being the great guy that he is, Paul took care of everything. He brought Michelle to the Urban Connection, got her wheelchair fixed, and got her some new clothes, blankets, and a hot shower.

Since then, Michelle has been staying at the Urban Connection every night. She’s gotten to know our staff and volunteers, and has become a regular smiling face.

Because both Billy and Michelle are wheelchair-bound, our case mangers were able to get them setup with a “Board & Care”, a facility that provides housing in addition to medical services. The doctors there tell us that with the rehabilitation he will be receiving now, Billy has a 70% chance of learning to walk again! Billy told us that his hope is to one day come back to Urban Connection, WALKING through the door as a volunteer!

The staff of the Urban Connection is excited that Billy & Michelle are on their way to a better life, but we’re sad to see them go. We’re just glad that we could be a part of their story, helping them to take one more step in their journey towards a better life.

Without the Urban Connection, both of these individuals would be sleeping on the streets tonight. Instead, they’ve got a roof over their head, they’re receiving the medical attention they need, and they’re safe from the dangers of Skid Row.

When you volunteer at the Urban Connection, you’re contributing to stories like these. You’re helping people take steps towards a better life. Billy & Michelle wouldn’t be where they are today without the Urban Connection… and the Urban Connection wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for our dedicated volunteers. From Billy, Michelle, and the entire staff of the Urban Connection, here’s a big THANK YOU to our volunteers!

If you’d like more information on getting involved with the Urban Connection, please email volunteer@urbanconnection.com. Thanks!