Eric’s Story

I grew up in the projects in Brooklyn, New York. My father was hardworking. He worked two jobs to support us, while our mother stayed home with me and my two brothers. I learned how to work hard from my dad. I started working for a phone company at the age of 17, taking college classes at night. I stayed with that phone company for 32 years. In 2007, I moved to Atlanta. 

After a few years, I retired as my company was downsizing. I was still doing really well and was able to live off my 401k for 5 years. But after using it all up, it was time for me to go back to work. I worked for a few different companies from State Farm to Uber.

Around 2019, I was dealing with a foot injury. I had gotten metal in my foot, but didn’t go to the doctor until it got so bad that I was limping and couldn’t put pressure on it. It was swollen and I decided to head to the hospital. It was there I got the news that I had to amputate my leg. I was now in a wheelchair, unable to walk.

This led to me not having an income, which meant I lost my apartment. I didn’t have anywhere to go. This was the first time in my life I felt suicidal.

A social worker at the hospital tried to help me find shelter in Gwinnett, but at the time, everywhere was full. They offered to put me in a hotel for a week and gave me a list of places to call every morning until I was able to find shelter. I had about 12 Gwinnett shelters I was calling every morning, but they were always full. Every day, after calling the shelters, I would head outside and wander around.

One day, a man struck up a conversation with me. He listened to me and my story. He knew I was looking for shelter and told me to head downtown – that I would find more shelters and might have better luck. He called me a cab and gave me some money to buy a Marta pass.  

I continued to find shelters that were full. No one had room for me. I slept outside many shelters waiting for a chance to get in and get a bed. For some shelters, they turned me away because I was in a wheelchair. They told me they didn’t have anyone to help me with taking showers or getting in and out of the beds. I spent many nights outside sleeping in my wheelchair.

Finally, I found Atlanta Mission.

This was my last straw – I didn’t know what I was going to do if I couldn’t get in. Then I heard it, “We got a bed for you.” That was a God-send. I was finally at The Shepherd’s Inn and off the streets. It felt great to sleep on a bed again.

I met Dirk here, another client here at The Shepherd’s Inn. Every morning, he’d help me get out of bed and into my wheelchair and helped me get to the classes. I was taking the classes offered here every day and working on what was next for me.

The people at Atlanta Mission have helped me get on disability and look for an apartment to be on my own. I’ve made some friends here. I’ve even met an angel here. His name is Jim.

Jim is a volunteer at Atlanta Mission and he started talking to me one day. He listened to my story and asked me, “What do you need?” I’d never been asked that before. After telling him I was in need of some new gloves for my wheelchair, he showed up with those new gloves. I was so thankful. He then asked about my wheelchair. I told him I didn’t have a job and couldn’t afford a new one. The one I was using was manual and I hoped to get an electric one one day. Jim brought me a brand new wheelchair. I couldn’t believe it. I am happy that he was there for me and I hope to pay him back one day soon.

I’ve gotten closer to God since coming to Atlanta Mission. I never would have thought I’d be homeless. I was doing well in life – no one would have imagined I’d be here. Without Atlanta Mission, I don’t know where I’d be today. 

To all the donors, I’m here today because of Atlanta Mission and the people here. I’m pleased and thankful.