“I’d rather be homeless with my dog, than leave my dog behind,” said Kenneth Brown, an injured truck driver living in Prescott, Ariz.
Seeking a Home for Homeless Man
Brown, who lived in a low-rent motel with his dog, faced homelessness as the motel was foreclosing. Catholic Charities staff, Milissa Koel, reached out to the motel’s residents to assist in finding new homes.
As Koel worked with Brown, she explained that having a pet would present an obstacle for many landlords. But Brown adamantly said he wouldn’t part with his dog.
After two month of searching, they found a trailer available for rent that would accept pets. A Catholic Charities’ program provided four months of rent and the deposit. Brown, who injured his back during his work as a truck driver, will be having surgery soon and a safe place to recover.
Koel invited Brown and his new landlord to her office to sign the lease—and the two got along great. “We seek to find compassionate landlords that will be the right fit for our clients,” said Koel. “It’s an honor to be able help people get into a home.”
Help the Homeless
Koel and other staff work to put clients in touch with other programs and agencies to assist with job placement, financial education and other services that will lead to a more stable financial future.
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