What our tenants have to say...

Stories from the Housing Office:

"Jane"
A young immigrant mother or two, Jane (not her real name) came into the Catholic Charities Housing Program in July of 2002 through a domestic violence shelter. New to the country, and without a high school degree, Jane made the brave choice for herself and her children to leave her violent situation. With the assistance and support of Catholic Charities Family Case Management, Jane was able to obtain her G.E.D., become gainfully employed at a large local hospital ("I love my job!" states Jane), acquire a car through the Wheels for Work program, and this past September, Jane became a United States Citizen. Although Jane is a very private person, this is an accomplishment that still leaves her beaming. "I do it all for my kids. I want them to see it can be done." Both of her children are doing well in school and are very proud of their mother's accomplishments.

Her long term goal is to purchase her own home.
"This program gives me the tools and support that I need."

"Vincent" - in his own words
I am writing these words of concern to you to show you that the Waldorf is wonderful for people getting their lives in order like myself again. This project has really helped me much to grow and to have hope again. I have been through much in the past eighteen months, overcoming different areas in my life. I had a very hard life coming up because of these areas. Some people would never have the chance that I have today, the opportunity to recover here at the Waldorf residence and for this I am very grateful. I am here clean again, living in recovery.

Please do not forget ACCA, Interfaith and Catholic Charities and all those who have made it possible for those of us to have housing. We are most grateful. I would like to thank Fr. Young, the City of Albany for providing services that are especially needed for those of us in recovery.

I started my recovery process in July of 2007. [After about a year in recovery treatment programs] I moved into independent living at the Waldorf Residence with the help of the HIP program and in conjunction with DSS of Albany County. I have successfully been able to maintain my recovery and live a more productive lifestyle. I am now attending EOC, a vocational training for business. I hope to gain some experience with computers and work on my skills in math and language. As long as I have been a resident at the Waldorf, a lot of positive things have happened in my life. I have been able to reach out to others and help them in their recovery process. I have just received from Narcotics Anonymous my 18 th month “Clean and Serene” medallion. This is because I am trying to do things differently in my life.

Being at the Waldorf has helped me and given me much hope and a better life today. My deepest [hope] is that this place will continue to enhance the lives of others.

"Penny"
In March 2006, I became ill and lost my job and apartment and had to move in with friends. In August I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease, and thyroid cancer. Needing a clean peaceful environment, someone told me about the Waldorf Residence. I applied, was interviewed and moved in on November 1, 2006. On November 2, 2006, I underwent major surgery. I have been here for over two years and I believe if it had not been for Catholic Charities and the staff at the Waldorf, I might not be cancer free today.

"Charlene"
An SRO resident , “Charlene” came to us from a shelter a few years ago. She had several periods of homelessness. Her parents died when she was a child, and she stayed with her grandparents for awhile, however, because of differences with her grandfather, she ended up homeless before completing high school. Since moving into the Waldorf, Mildred has obtained a part time job working as greeter and assistant security at a local shopping mall.

She wants to earn her GED and go on to a full time job, but due to Charlene's poor education, she needs tutoring. The Site Manager had been a teacher for a number of years and decided to see if he could help her with her math skills and writing skills. By using flash cards and journal writing, her skills are starting to improve. She has started to realize this herself and her self-confidence is improving. Her last writing project was a letter to President Obama, in which she made several suggestions and gave her perspectives as a formerly homeless individual. She has applied for two jobs in the past month and talks about getting a plan to eventually buy her own house.

 "Bob"
Bob owned his own business which failed and he had to declare bankruptcy. He wound up in a homeless shelter and from there moved into a Catholic Charities SRO. Because of the stability of the SRO housing and the availability of case management and support services, Bob became employed, paid off his debts, and has once again moved into his own apartment.