Agency helps give homeless a boost

William Nelson loved the Pikes Peak region while stationed at Fort Carson 27 years ago. So when he recently tired of living in Oregon, Colorado Springs became his destination.

Nelson never expected he'd be homeless soon after arriving. "I came (to Colorado Springs) April 27, 2003, and by May 5 I had a job," he said. The poor economy led to a layoff, however, and his short residency in Colorado excluded him from unemployment benefits. With no money for rent, Nelson moved out of his apartment and into his car.

Although he found occasional part-time work, the small paychecks couldn't cover food, gas or medication for his high blood pressure. In September, Nelson requested help from the Pikes Peak Community Action Agency, one of 12 local organizations that benefits from The Gazette-El Pomar Foundation's Empty Stocking Fund.

Barbara Peterson, emergency services counselor at PPCAA, said she is impressed by Nelson's positive attitude.

"His determination makes a difference," she said. "When you're in that car and it's cold and you can't take a shower every morning, it's hard to keep a job. It's not like hitting the alarm clock and hopping in the shower before work. There's all these other things you have to do."

Because Nelson earns limited income from temporary jobs, Peterson worked with other resources to find him affordable housing.

Nelson still faces challenges, however.

After being homeless, Peterson said, "it takes several months to get out of the woods."

Nelson's biggest challenges now are finding steady work and repairing his vehicle.

"Its job was to get me from Oregon to here," he said of his car. "Now she's dying. She's tired." The vehicle was never meant to serve as a home.

"I don't think any person expects to be homeless. Life's curves just have a way of setting you back," Nelson said.

"When a person is homeless, it's one step up and two steps back," Peterson said. "After so many setbacks, some do give up. They can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can, but they can't."

With help from Peterson, Nelson sees the light. He refuses to give up.

"I'm just not about being homeless," he said. "I want to feel that I'm worth something."

TO OUR READERS

Throughout the holiday season, The Gazette will feature stories about the 12 agencies that receive money through The Gazette/El Pomar Empty Stocking Fund, and about the people they serve.

If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Empty Stocking Fund, make a check payable to Gazette Charities-Empty Stocking Fund and mail it to P.O. Box 400, Colorado Springs 80901. Or donate online at www.gazette.com, www.coloradosprings.com. Credit card donations also can be made by phone, 476-1673.

Copyright 2003
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