It started when she opened the refrigerator door, stepped back and fell. When the EMTs
arrived, they discovered a lot more than a woman with an ankle broken in three places.
Evy was living at her family camp, which had been in her family for generations. She
had raised a child there and lived there for 40 years. However, the camp was not meant
for year-round living with no septic system, and the floors were in disrepair. The town
condemned her house.
Evy had nowhere to go so she returned to her property and lived in her van for six
months in the fall and winter. Friends let her shower at their church, and she used the
food pantry and clothing closet. Evy told me that even though living that way was rough,
at least she still had her independence and her property.
When the staff at the food pantry found out Evy was living in her car, they called MATS.
MATS found a place at the emergency shelter in town, where she stayed for a few
nights. Christmas arrived, and with no staff, MATS collaborated with other community
resources to fund a hotel room for Evy until MATS conducted her interview.
Unfortunately, Evy got sick, delaying her interview with MATS for two weeks.
When people come to MATS, they commit to working with us to square up their
finances, get their lives in order, and find a way to live as independently as possible.
The interview is essential because without this commitment the likelihood of returning
to homelessness is higher.
Her interview revealed medical issues beyond her broken leg that required PCP visits,
physical therapy and ongoing prescriptions. We set her up with Elder Care and the
social services she would need to live on her own.
Then Elder Services closed Evy’s case for an unknown reason, so the staff at MATS
had to start another 90-day period to process the documentation again. As MATS
helped Evy become eligible for Section 8 housing and find an apartment, we knew she
needed home-based services to live on her own. Evy receives Social Security and food
stamps. She pays her bills, but working through the maze of federal and state services
is a challenge for anyone, even with MATS’ help.
During Evy’s stay at MATS, she had to spend a few nights in the hospital. It snowed the
day the hospital released her, so she slept in her car in a church parking lot. Then she
spent a few nights in her van on her property because she wanted to be home before
returning to MATS. Evy struggled because, she said, if she moved, she might never go
back home.
After living in her van for months, the van needed work inside and out to make it safe
before the mechanic, who repairs our guests’ cars, could replace the brakes, tires, and
water pump. MATS, and many other community resources, covered the cost of
repairs so it passed inspection.
MATS moved Evy into her one-bedroom apartment 247 days after she came to us. She
had a rocky start. She had difficulty with apartment living, and she returned to MATS for
one night. Then she fell and broke her ankle again. Evy still struggles with money
because she must pay for the lien on her property for back taxes, and a high-interest
monthly payment for her car on top of her rent.
Today, she tells me that her apartment is beautiful and she is grateful for what MATS
did to get her there. MATS donated furniture. She still relies on the food pantry and
clothing barn. Choice for Independent Living approved her for home-based services on
the condition that Evy sell her property before receiving services. However, she is still
fighting to keep her property.
This case shows what it takes to help someone find sustainable housing. Our two
staff members help guests like Evy get the assistance they need from federal, state,
and local agencies. Helping those in need to care for themselves and their children
requires immense effort. MATS helps them find childcare, work (if they are not already
working), transportation, food, and clothing for their children, so they will lead a life of
dignity.
MATS, the Peterborough Town Library, and the Peterborough Pantry will show the film “The Line: Poverty in America,” and have a discussion afterward on March 5 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the library’s 1833 room. We hope to see you there.
Elizabeth Goodhue is a board member at the Monadnock Area Transitional Shelter. MATS believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home and a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity. To learn more, visit matsnh.org.