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I have lived in Buffalo my whole life and was married for fifteen years. My husband and I did not have any children together; however he had a son who lived with us. My husband died suddenly at the age of 52 and my step son and I remained living together in the home after his death. I receive Social Security income from my husband’s retirement and the check is deposited directly into my bank account. My stepson, now an adult, had retained a lawyer and I agreed to give him power of attorney. I thought if something would happen to me, he would get to stay in the apartment and be able to access any money left in my bank account. My health is not good. I use a walker to get around.
Recently I discovered that my rent was not being paid. My landlord stated I was three months behind in rent. I confronted my stepson and he reassured me that he had paid the rent, however, he had not. So I went to the bank to get the money myself to pay the landlord. The teller at the bank said “You don’t have any money in the account.” I asked her to check again, knowing I had four thousand dollars in my account. She stated, “I’m sorry ma’am, but your account balance is zero.” My heart was broken; my stepson had stolen my life’s savings.
I found out later he had spent the money on drugs.
There I was, homeless, broke and in poor health. No family, no friends, no one to help me. I was so scared and all alone. I prayed to God for help.
I was referred to the Erie County Department of Social Services who then referred me to The Buffalo Salvation Army’s Emergency Family Shelter. I lived at the shelter for two months. I was given my own handicapped accessible room with three meals a day, laundry facilities, toiletries, love, support and respect. The Salvation Army became my family.
My caseworker at the shelter, Patricia, helped me more than I can express in words.
She found a beautiful apartment for me in Warsaw, NY. I decided to relocate and take the apartment. It was Section 8 approved and my rent would be subsidized. They provide onsite case management, laundry facilities, a salon, medical needs, transportation to and from town, a safe secure building, and people my own age to talk to.
However, I had no way to get there. So Patricia borrowed The Salvation Army’s van and drove me herself (a 97 miles round trip!) She knew my only possessions were a bag of clothes and a television set. So out of the goodness of her heart, and from her own home, Patricia and her husband John, packed the following items for me: glasses, silverware, coffee maker (she knows I love my coffee), coffee mugs, a can of coffee and filters, napkins, a kettle, dish towels, dish cloths, food, toilet paper, tissues, a bed, blankets, sheets comforter, electric blanket, clock radio and a beautiful fiber optic Christmas tree. I was overwhelmed by their generosity. They both helped move all of this into my new apartment.
Patricia assisted me with the intake process to get me settled into my new place. I met Kelly and Luanne who work in the office onsite and will help me with any future needs at my new apartment.
When we arrived in Warsaw, I didn’t have any furniture, so Pat and John drove me to Volunteers of America, a store in town, where I purchased a loveseat, a table for my TV, end table, two lamps at 50% off. They took me to Save a Lot to buy some food. Then we drove to Walmart to purchase pots and pans, a can opener, bowls, serving utensils, a cookie sheet, and a money order for my rent. Patricia and John took all of these items and all the furniture up to my apartment and helped me set up my new home. They even set up my Christmas tree. It was so beautiful, I began to cry. At last, I was finally home.
The Salvation Army has been my saving grace. I will never be able to thank all of you enough. I don’t know what I would have done without your help. My prayers were answered by Patricia and The Salvation Army Emergency Family Shelter.
I will be forever grateful. God Bless All of You.