The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
In times of trouble...
Health issues create downward spiral and loss of job for woman
Some might think of homelessness as something that can never happen to them, and that those affected by it are likely to remain so.
Patricia Moten is evidence to the contrary for both accounts.
After succumbing to mounting health issues that were as taxing to her finances as they were to her body, Moten needed to take time away from work in order to recover.
However, in the interim, she lost her job, and then her apartment. Suddenly, an ailing Moten found herself without shelter. With few stable options to turn to, Moten dialed 211, an emergency number designated to direct those calling with resources and assistance for essential community services.
From there, the agency directed her to Painesville Township’s Project Hope for the Homeless shelter, located at 25 Freedom Road.
“I hesitated,” Moten acknowledged. “I didn’t want to go to a shelter, but one day I called and took a chance.”
"I made it through by the grace of God walking with a walker through the cold. — Patricia Moten
Moten arrived with little more than the clothes on her back in September of 2017.
“It was hard,” she reflected. “I didn’t know anybody at first. I had to get the feel of the place.”
While she acclimated, Project Hope provided more than just a roof over her head. They worked with Moten, addressing healthcare issues, consulting with extended housing officials, and establishing weekly goal planning sessions.
Moten feels the assistance was invaluable in getting back on her feet.
“This place was home to me when I had nowhere else to go,” she said.
Now she does have somewhere else to go. After staying with Project Hope for seven months, Moten was able to sign up for Shelter Plus which has enabled her to secure an apartment of her own. She’s currently on
a Section Eight waiting list for further housing.
Moten was able to share her story with others at Project Hope’s annual dinner ceremony.
“It was a little nervous,” she laughed, thinking about her tale. “Sometimes, I can’t believe it. I made it through by the grace of God walking with a walker through the cold. Sitting in jails, sitting in McDonald’s or Burger Kings for hours and hours. I can’t believe that I did that for months.”
Her case highlights an important facet of the homeless population.
“Not everyone has addiction or mental problems,” Project Hope’s leader, Judy Burr, says. “Sometimes it could just be a string of bad luck.”
Project Hope Grant Coordinator John Hutchinson agrees, adding, “It’s important for people to realize homelessness doesn’t just happen in the winter around the holiday times. We’re busy here year round. It’s a year round problem.”
Evidence to his point come in the form of the approximate 900 calls they have to turn away every year. Burr said the demand has always far exceeded their capacity. They anticipate 2019 to be their most heavily trafficked year with 451 people serviced by the start of December.
As a result, Project Hope is always looking for volunteers to contribute in a variety of ways in 2020. A list of needed supplies is also available on its website. and the coming year will begin the planning to potentially extend the intake hours for families that need services.
Regular hours begin at 7 p.m.. Families with children can arrive at 1 p.m. but Project Hope is considering making the family intake hours earlier to better accommodate the needs of children.
For those who need assistance in finding housing and shelter should dial 211 in order for representatives to direct to the nearest and most suitable location.