Michael and Saundra’s Story

A Place to Call Home.

Michael and Saundra, married for 30 years, raised children together, and now enjoy watching their grandchildren grow. Michael served in the US Army from 1978 to 1985, including time on the USSR border during the Cold War and as a unit armorer. After leaving the Army, he earned a degree from the University of Maryland and spent 25 years working for the Montgomery County School System as a tradesman, educator, and coach.

Following Michael’s retirement, they moved to Baltimore to start a small business, but the pandemic hit just as Michael’s venture was taking off. They lost their home and had to move into a rental unit that required extensive repairs. They moved again, only to face worsening conditions—water leaks, rodent damage, and mold. When “They were mindful, they listened, and they helped us to work through what we thought were insurmountable challenges.” Saundra was hospitalized with pneumonia, they fell behind on rent.

Fortunately, Michael and Saundra were referred to our Veteran Housing Services program where their case manager worked with them to find a new home. “The housing staff were mindful, listened, and helped us to work through what we thought were insurmountable challenges,” stated Saundra.

Michael and Saundra were assisted in moving to a new home in a clean, welcoming community that they could finally call home. For the first time in years, they felt the weight of uncertainty lifted off their shoulders. Saundra added, “Our new neighborhood feels like a community. Somewhere that our children and grandchildren can visit.”