My name is Robert.

I am a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who found myself homeless for the first time at the age of 54, after facing a divorce and finding myself with nowhere to go.

Fortunately, I had a car and employment. I have an extensive employment background working as a security guard. I quickly found a room to rent in Aurora. Unfortunately, this temporary solution presented unforeseen obstacles and I needed additional help immediately.

My pride prevented me from turning to a social service agency for help, so I reached out to some of my oldest friends for assistance. That’s when I learned that people you think you can rely on aren’t always there for you when you really need them. I fell into a deep depression and lost a significant amount of weight due to my stress. I sought spiritual counseling from my parish in Aurora. They provided me with guidance and emotional support. I then attempted to seek emergency shelter so I could have a place to sleep, only to be told that the local shelters could not accommodate my needs because I worked second and third shift.

I remember how difficult it was to ask for the help. I really thought I could manage on my own. I registered at the Hines VA Medical Center in the Health Care for Homeless Veterans program and my case worker helped me to understand that I wasn’t asking for help, I had earned the assistance through my service in the Corps. That’s when I found Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.

I called the SSVF hotline and got screened and enrolled right away. I was connected to the DuPage County Veterans Assistance Commission, which temporarily paid for me to stay in a local motel so I had a place to sleep during the day. Things seemed to be coming together after I got connected with MSHV. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am so thankful for my SSVF Case Manager, for her patience and putting up with me. I got so frustrated at times with my situation. It felt like every time I took one step forward and began to make progress something would happen and I would get pushed back, not two steps, but four or five steps.

My Case Manager served as my advocate. I was found eligible for the MSHV Miller Affordable Housing Program. After a short time on the waitlist, I moved in. I don’t know where I would be, or what would have happened to me if MSHV was not there.

Things may not be perfect now, but it’s a far cry from where I was six months ago. I am anxious to look back six months from now and see what I’ve accomplished. I have a better outlook on life now. Six months ago I could not say that. Even though asking for help may have been hard at the time, now I know you don’t need to do everything on your own. There is a support system out there. You just need to ask for help.