Finding hope and homes for Quincy's homeless

By Sue Scheible, The Patriot Ledger| April 29, 2009

Lost and found. Four men, each with a different story, but at least one common thread: At one time, they were homeless, and now they have homes. Beyond paying rent with their incomes, they take care of their health and help one another. They are a community, not a problem.

Their new chance at life is thanks to Father Bills & MainSpring. The agency's Housing First program rescues the chronic homeless, many of whom have serious physical and mental disabilities. Some are older veterans who were on the streets for years. Others just hit a long patch of bad luck and gave up.

"People who have been laid off account for most of the new people coming into our shelters," said John Yazwinski, president and chief executive officer of Father Bills & MainSpring.

Housing First offers the homeless long-term housing in rooming houses or apartments; case managers help them get medical care and jobs and manage their budgets and resources.

At least 86 percent of those in the program don't return to the streets or shelters. That includes the most disabled and chronically homeless men. They taste success and like it.

Last week, The Patriot Ledger visited four men in the program. Here are their stories.

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