A Move From Arizona to Oregon Disrupted by COVID-19
Introduction
James “Jim” Shortt - a Veteran who served honorably in the US Army - and his wife, Jennifer Shortt came to us, seeking some assistance from the Easterseals Oregon Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) team, at our Salem office. The Shortt family was on their way relocating to Oregon from Arizona when Covid-19 hit, causing a disruption in their plans and severely limiting their options and resources. Luckily, Jennifer’s daughter was able to provide them with a place to sleep, but it was only a temporary situation and they quickly ate away at their savings. While Jennifer was couch-surfing in Salem, James was up in the Multnomah County area sleeping in his truck. Mr. Shortt works at the Amazon Warehouse in Troutdale, and during the work week he would sleep in his car up in the Gresham area. During his weekend, he would travel back down to Salem to be with his wife and their support pet, Kona.
Ready to Feel At Home Again
When completing the enrollment for James, our team could see his sense of urgency to get back on his feet and get him and his wife into a home. Within the first hour of the housing case conference with the SSVF Housing Specialist, James and Jennifer had already identified a place that they felt comfortable with and were ready to apply. When our staff brought up the question of if they would like to see some other places, James was already content with his choice, as he said him and Jennifer felt at home. From that moment, we worked hard to get everything in line to get the Shortt family into their home as quickly as possible.
Partnership With Homes for Heroes
With the help from the Homes for Heroes foundation, we were able to provide the fundamentals for James and Jennifer’s new home with a “Welcome Home” box. With this, the Shortt family is now set up with brand new kitchen supplies such as dishes, cups, pots, pans and a coffee maker. We were also able to provide him with some other necessities such as towels, laundry detergent, a vacuum and more.
A New Home and a New Begining
On August 17, 2020 James Shortt was able to get the keys and walk into his new home with a happy heart, full of gratitude. The Shortt family would like to express their deepest appreciation for all that the Easterseals Oregon, Supportive Services for Veteran Families as well as the Homes for Heroes foundation have been able to support them with as they settle in to their new home.
We're glad we could help you create a new start in Oregon, Jim! You have a wonderful future ahead of you.
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