Juan first came through our doors in September of 2005. He was a 62 year old Cuban with a bitter face and hostile attitude who had recently become homeless because he was unable to continue paying his rent. Juan was met by our case manager, Cecilia, who overlooked his unfriendly manner and immediately got him into our shelter – where he stayed for the next four months – and encouraged him to return for ongoing case management. Although hesitant to agree, he eventually returned and Cecilia began the process of assessing his needs and setting goals and steps to reach them.
Cecilia first noted his health condition was not so good and found out he had been diagnosed with lung cancer as well as a long list of other medical conditions. He hadn’t been back to see his doctor since he’d first been given the devastating news. Cecilia encouraged him to seek medical attention and set him up with free medical services to deal with his health.
At the same time, she referred him to the Social Security Office as it seemed obvious to her that he was eligible for at least some benefits. Juan was skeptical due to many past failed attempts but after much perseverance from both Cecilia and Juan, he was granted full benefits and in fact received $9,000 for past benefits which had earlier been denied.
Today, Juan lives in his own apartment in a Senior Citizen SRO (Single Room Occupancy) Hotel where he receives supportive services and continues to get medical services to deal with his illness. However, he and Cecilia have made a strong bond and Juan continues to drop by the office once a week to say hello (and occasionally ask Cecilia out on a date).
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