Our Blog

Life can change in an instant, a lesson that became all too real for former Coalition resident, Sal. After a lifetime of careful financial planning and hard work, Sal—a senior citizen of Central Florida—found himself facing a nightmare he never anticipated: the loss of his home. Unforeseen medical emergencies drained his savings, leaving him without a roof over his head and nowhere to turn—until Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida stepped in. Sal’s journey began in Miami, where he arrived as a young man fleeing the Cuban Revolution with his family. He worked hard all his life, meticulously saving for his retirement. However, when he retired at 70, health issues he never anticipated—heart problems, spinal stenosis, and other geriatric issues—began to emerge. Medical bills quickly piled up, and despite his best efforts to manage them, Sal found himself in a financial crisis. “I was always responsible, always paid my bills on time. But suddenly, I was in a situation where I just couldn’t keep up,” he recalls. The rising cost of living, particularly his rent, soon outpaced his dwindling savings, leaving him without a place to call home. Sal’s experience underscores the often-overlooked reality that homelessness can happen to anyone, even those who plan carefully for their future. When his landlord increased his rent by $900 a month, Sal was forced to leave his home of four years. With nowhere else to go, Sal turned to a community drop-in shelter, where he enrolled in a three-month program that kept him off the streets. However, as the program came to an end, he faced the terrifying prospect of homelessness once again. That’s when he was referred to Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. “The Coalition let me in, and I honestly believe they saved my life,” Sal says. “With my health issues, I wouldn’t have lasted long out there.” Sal found not just shelter, but a community at the Coalition. His case manager, Mrs. Thomas, became his lifeline. “Your caseworker is your angel from heaven,” Sal explains. “She’s the person who takes you by the hand and guides you through the process.” Mrs. Thomas provided Sal with more than just practical assistance; she offered the emotional support and reassurance that he desperately needed. Their relationship highlights the importance of compassionate, personalized care in helping individuals regain their footing. Sal’s story is one of gratitude and hope, but it’s also a call to action. The Coalition is doing vital work, but we need the support of donors to continue providing life-saving services. Sal’s experience shows that homelessness is not just a problem for others; it’s something that can happen to anyone, particularly vulnerable populations like senior citizens. “If it can happen to me, it can happen to other people as well,” Sal warns. He urges potential donors to consider the real impact of their contributions. “The Coalition gave me a second chance at life. Without their help, I don’t know where I’d be.” Thanks to supporters like you, who donate necessary dollars to the Coalition, we were able to help Sal . His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of caring neighbors and crucial programs and services that provide safety nets for those in crisis. Today, Sal has not only found stability but is now residing in an apartment of his own. He says he looks forward to returning as a visitor to connect with his friends at the Coalition and serve as a reminder that if he can get into permanent housing, anyone can.