Mr. Phelps's Story

Mr. Phelps, a former school teacher, was 79 years old when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He moved from western Massachusetts to Boston to receive treatment, but when his housing fell through, he ended up in a shelter.

During the day Mr. Phelps would receive chemotherapy and radiation treatments but had to return to the shelter at night - not a very comfortable place for convalescing. Luckily he met Stephanie, one of Hearth's Outreach Case Managers. Stephanie helped Mr. Phelps apply for subsidized housing, and he was offered an apartment in a new housing development.

However the development's completion date was delayed from summer to fall, and while waiting for his new home, Mr. Phelps caught pneumonia. Then, while recovering from that, an old ailment flared up which required surgery.

Fortunately, Mr. Phelps was able tomove to a respite shelter better suited to his health needs, but he still didn't have a home. Stephanie stuck by his side until the new development finally opened, and she helped Mr. Phelps move in. Stephanie reports that he is feeling much better, and doing well in his new home.

Like many elders who become homeless, Mr. Phelps's story began with an illness. Thankfully he was introduced to Hearth's Outreach Program and found a home. Many elders across the country aren't so lucky.