Ronald's Story

Meet Ronald, a resident of our Canal Street Single Room Occupancy facility. Ronald is a Northshore native and son of a successful restaurateur there. He led a straightforward life in his youth as a member of the Navy Hospital Corps during the Vietnam War. While with the Navy Hospital Corps, Ronald served as a surgical medic, lab scientist, and worked in emergency search and rescue.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Ronald developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and began drinking as a result of his anxiety and depression. He attempted to maintain his career, working 5 years after his return from the service, but after a car wreck he moved home and began drinking on and off, “always at the wrong time”.

“The story of my life is caring for others”, says Ronald, and he’s cared for both of his parents as they entered their senior years. Following the death of his father, who he was helping his mother to care for, he began drinking chronically, leaving his job.

Ronald struggled with his alcohol addiction until April of 2005, when at the behest of his sister in law he began receiving treatment. The storm interrupted his treatment, and he evacuated to Omaha; when he was finished, he was connected with our Duvernay Residence, which offers permanent affordable housing, case management, and employment services for formerly homeless people in recovery.

Ronald just celebrated his fourth anniversary at Duvernay. He says of his experiences there – “I’m excited to be at Duvernay. It’s very welcoming and has helped me become self-sufficient”.

For his future, Ronald wants to continue to be more self-sufficient, help others, take inventory of himself, plan for life, and find a part-time retirement job for supplemental income.

We are proud to have individuals like Ronald among those we serve.