Brian never thought he would be homeless…BPHI’s Homeless Outreach Team comes to his aid.
Brian, 43, was employed as a waiter at a popular Fort Lauderdale eatery when the restaurant began experiencing financial problems. Brian and his associates were refused overtime pay, and the accompanying dispute with his manager resulted in Brian’s termination. At the same time his roommate absconded with the rent money and Brian found himself not only jobless, but homeless. A friend suggested he contact the Homeless Outreach Team.
Brian went to the designated area across from the County Bus Terminal in downtown Fort Lauderdale. There he met Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Jaime. After explaining his situation, Officer Jaime reassured him that he would receive help and took Brian to the Broward County Central Homeless Assistance Center operated by BPHI.
Brian calls his case worker Monique Jacques-Louis “a God-send.” Monique introduced Brian to the solution-focused programs offered at BPHI and together they began to work on a plan to help Brian find employment and a more permanent place to live. “She took the extra steps to see that I was doing okay, because she knew I was prone to depression”.
Unfortunately, one of those resources, the medical screening, was to offer Brian yet another blow – he was diagnosed with HIV. “Monique and Dr. Francine Carattini-Eley, BPHI’s Psychiatrist came into the room to console me, because I couldn’t stop crying. With the support and kindness of caring people he knew things would get better. And they did.
Upon completing the BPHI program, Brian temporarily went to live at Shadowwood ll, a housing facility for individuals diagnosed with HIV. From there he was able to find accommodations with a friend. With a nice place to stay and employed again, he feels so much more positive about his life. He credits BPHI with providing the resources and encouragement to make it on his own. “I’m glad that BPHI was there for me”.
Brian also wanted to thank BPHI’s aftercare program Manager Stefano Battista; Brian believes that the follow-through available to residents when they move to their own apartments is an important element of the program.
If you know someone who is homeless and needs assistance, please see information below on how to reach the Homeless Outreach Team.
|
| 
