Category: Success Stories

In August, we got Judy signed her lease. In September, Doug got the keys to his own place. Now, in October, we can add Mike to the list of GMC guests we helped find housing.

Today, after a long wait, Mike finally has keys to his apartment, just in time for winter.

Mike is one of our superstar members. Quiet, and observant, Mike often ran the sign up list for our computer lab and helped staff clean the center. He is one of our best chess players and is also super smart; during a trivia contest in the center, he knew the answer to almost every question.

Roy, GMC’s Outreach Director and Case Manager, helped Doug and Mike obtain housing through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program. Judy and Doug have popped back into the center to say hello, and both of them look happy and healthy. Mike has promised to come back and say hello, and we can’t wait to hear how he is doing.

A month ago, we told you about Judy, who is finally indoors after many years living on the street. It is with great happiness that we can also tell you about Doug, who signed his lease and received keys to his own apartment last week!

Like Judy, Doug was also a member of our winter shelter this past season. He is a veteran who served our country and fell on hard times after he was honorably discharged. Slowly, Doug is getting his life back together and will not have to spend another winter out in the cold.

You can help!

Doug has a small wish list to help him get his apartment set up. Can you or someone you know donate any of the following?

• silverware
• lightbulbs (for his ceiling fan)
• a chain for his ceiling fan (to turn it on and off)
• a step stool

Last week, we posted about Judy’s new apartment. She is settling in wonderfully in her furnished apartment, but she could use some help acquiring some basics, such as bedsheets. We’ve put together a wish list with Judy, and she would greatly appreciate any help in acquiring these simple items! If you are able to help her out, please call Stephanie or Roy at 202-338-8301 or bring donations to GMC Monday-Friday between 8am and 5pm.

Judy’s Wish List

• bed sheets (full) and a blanket
• dishes (bowl, plate, mug) and silverware
• a sponge, dish soap, and a dishtowel
• all-purpose cleaner (like Fantastik or 409)
• 4 lightbulbs

Last winter, it looked like we were finally going to get Judy, one of our longtime guests, into housing. We found her two places she could live, and everything looked good: applications accepted, interviews passed. All that was left was for Judy to say yes to one of the housing options. Then, at the last minute, Judy told us, “Thank you, but no thanks.”

Everyone who knew Judy was sad and confused. Why would someone go through this entire process only to walk away at the last minute? Still, we didn’t give up hope. Roy, our Outreach Director and Case Manager, worked steadily with the Department of Human Services to get Judy into housing. And finally, this past Monday, Judy signed her lease.

Judy came back to visit us a few days after she moved in and was so excited. The best moment was when she turned to us and said:

I never thought of me and success together, but man, you can now consider me a success!

We are happy and proud of Judy, but must also give major kudos to Roy, who drove Judy to and from many apartment showings and meetings with DHS, and who never gave up hope that we could get Judy a place of her own. People like Judy motivate us to keep trying and persisting, day after day. Congratulations, Judy!

Today, we received a small box of socks in the mail, courtesy of a former Grace Church parishioner who now lives in Colorado. Our supporters are so amazing and thoughtful, even when they are far away. Thank you!!!