US Army Veteran Graham Never Imagined He Would Face Homelessness
Graham, an army veteran, currently living at Harbor Care’s Buckingham Place, never imagined he could end up homeless. (with Daisy, his service dog.)
Graham never imagined he would face homelessness.
He spent nearly 30 years as a successful carpenter and contractor. But, a serious medical issue and then a selfless act left Graham without a home and few options.
Graham is a veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. He used the GI bill to go to college. His love of math and working with his hands led to a career building and repairing houses.
When his elderly mother began experiencing dementia, Graham moved in to care for her. Joining them was Maggie, Graham’s service dog. Graham has Type 1 diabetes and has relied on a service dog for several years. Maggie was very special to Graham, and the two built a real companionship. Once, when Graham collapsed while shopping at Market Basket, Maggie ran to the end of the aisle and barked for help. She became a celebrity in the store after that.
Two years ago, Graham was diagnosed with cancer. His illness forced him out of work. Meanwhile, Graham’s mother progressed to a point he knew she needed specialized care. To pay for his mother to move into a long-term care facility, Graham made the extremely difficult decision to sell their family home.
Then, his service dog Maggie died. Fighting cancer, unable to work, grieving, and about to lose his family’s home, Graham was at the lowest point of his life. He knew he needed help.
Graham called 211 for assistance and was connected with Harbor Care’s Veterans FIRST program. Three days later he moved into Buckingham Place, one of Harbor Care’s three transitional housing complexes for veterans.
“Before I came into this program I didn’t think I was going to survive another year. It’s because of this program that I feel the way I do. It has helped me in ways I never even considered.”
Graham could now focus on his own health and stability. Over the following six months he had two surgeries and is now cancer free. He also has a new companion, Daisy, his service dog-in-training.
The two spend hours a day training and taking long walks together. Daisy has helped create a sense of purpose for Graham who feels he’s in a good place in his life.
Thanks to community support, each year, more than 450 veterans such as Graham, along with hundreds of other vulnerable community members, access housing, medical, dental, and mental health care, substance misuse treatment, employment services and other critical supports, creating necessary stability and opportunities to thrive.
Graham still calls his mother almost daily to check on her. Currently, he is working on finding his own place and going back to work. A security guard position is waiting for him if he chooses. But, living at Buckingham Place has opened his eyes and heart to the challenges of others. So, Graham is considering taking college courses to pursue a new career as a counselor.
“I’ve learned a lot about patience and compassion.”