Dana came to Northlands Rescue Mission in late August of last year. He is originally from Milwaukee, but health issues, difficulty finding work, and a hostile environment caused him to leave the area. Dana met with our social worker and took the necessary steps to apply for housing.He returned to Milwaukee for medical reasons, but when the call came to proceed with the housing process, he was ready. Dana is a skilled cook and barber by trade.Unfortunately, he had to quit cutting hair because of health problems. Dana has undergone multiple operation son his spine; he has trouble moving around and performing strenuous physical tasks.

“It takes its toll…I can cut two or three heads and next thing I know my whole body is seriously sore. Now, I have other issues with my lower back and lower spine. Arthritis in my spine, my hips, and my knees…one of my goals is to get my medical stuff back on track. And the only way I can really do that is to be stable.”

When you are out on the street, your focus is on surviving. Your priorities become finding food, shelter from the cold, and a place to sleep. When these basic needs are met, it becomes possible to address the problems that led to that situation and move forward. At Northlands Rescue Mission, Dana found the help he needed to work through his troubles. He had a warm bed, three meals a day, social support, and help creating a plan for the future.

Dana is not lazy. He is not dangerous, and he is not powerless. He has faced unexpected obstacles and been put in difficult situations. Despite this, Dana is friendly, agreeable, and focused on bringing stability to his life.

We are happy to say that Dana has now successfully moved into his own apartment. This is the kind of outcome that we work toward for all our clients at Northlands Rescue Mission.