Continuum of Care, Inc.’s mission is to enable people who are challenged with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, addiction, or homelessness to rebuild a meaningful life and thrive in the community.
Bobby's Story
Bobby was once a world renowned boxer who traveled the world for most of his adult life. He also taught boxing in New Haven for a few years in between his travels. A series of unfortunate events sent him to the streets where he lived for 15 years, sleeping in places like the Burger King on Whalley Avenue, in doorways, and around Yale’s campus — using cardboard and newspapers to keep himself warm. He's even suffered from frostbite on his feet.
Before I started working with Bobby, he was just a name on a paper telling me he was homeless for seven years and not connected to services. I searched for him but the shelters did not know who he was as he didn’t sleep in them. With assistance, I finally found him in a hospital three months later.
We connected Bobby with the 62+ Pilot Program – a collaboration between five Greater New Haven human and elderly services agencies, including Continuum of Care – that assists chronically homeless individuals ages 62 and older and provides services for aging needs, which he said he did not have.
When his housing voucher came through he looked at three apartments before choosing one. He found just what he was looking for – a clean, one-bedroom apartment, close to friends, but quiet. South Central Peer Services was awarded a grant through Yale Medical School, so we were able to purchase an awesome bed for him as well as furniture and other household necessities.
The Housing Authority was unable to inspect his apartment until January 2015, but the landlord allowed Bobby to move in the day before Christmas. What a present!
Now, at age 66, Bobby spends his days hanging out with his friends and enjoying his apartment. He is happy to have a permanent roof over his head and is grateful to all those who helped him get where he is now.
-- Elsa Ward, Assistant Director, South Central Peer Services
Won’t you consider helping us rebuild the life of someone like Bobby?