For Dewayne John, the weight of homelessness was even heavier because he was carrying it for three children. With two daughters, ages 12 and 11, and a 9-year-old son, Dewayne found himself facing the unthinkable: not knowing where his family would sleep.

“I was really at the end of what else can I do?” he said. “I have three kids I have to look after. Not going to lie, I was so stressed out. Really stressed out because I was so worried about where am I going to have my kids? This was a big burden off for me.”

Dewayne turned to the Brookdale Resource Center, where he and his children stayed in the Hello House for a few weeks before transitioning into the main area. While Dewayne focused on getting back on his feet, Brookdale staff made sure his children were supported, too.

“When I first came here, the personnel were very nice to me and my children. I really didn’t feel out of place. I felt like this was a home. I felt welcomed here,” he said. “The personnel were always good to me and the kids. They are very resourceful. The people are here to help you.”

With support from Brookdale, Dewayne was able to find a job and secure housing for his family.

“Once I got everything situated, I was relieved. The kids were happy. They had their own space. That was all that mattered to me, making sure they were happy,” he said.

For Lewis Walls, homelessness came after a heartbreaking loss. After losing his wife of 36 years, Lewis moved to Georgia from Florida hoping for a fresh start. He found a job in Jeffersonville, but when his car broke down, he lost his transportation and eventually his job. Soon, he could no longer afford rent and began sleeping in his car, moving between parking lots each night.

“People don’t understand that when you are homeless, you feel defeated in so many ways,” Lewis said. “It was like one big blow. Life isn’t easy. We all go through something.”

Struggling with anxiety and depression, Lewis was encouraged by a counselor at River Edge Behavioral Health to seek help at Brookdale. He stayed for about a month, where he found stability, encouragement, and support.

“The people at Brookdale are here to assist and help, but you have to want to do better. You have to want better for yourself,” he said.

While at Brookdale, Lewis worked night shifts and spent his days looking for opportunities. His hard work paid off when he was able to apply for his own apartment. Nearly a year later, he still lives there and now works two jobs.

“It makes me feel good because I can go and kick my shoes off in my own place,” Lewis said. “I can go and shower when I want to. Knowing this is what I work hard for. This is what life is about.”

Lewis has one message for the staff and volunteers at Brookdale: “Thank you for your help, your kindness. Thank you for giving me hope. Thank you for showing me that because certain things have to happen in life, it don’t mean that my life comes to an end.”

While Dewayne and Lewis have two different stories, they share something in common – the Brookdale Resource Center helped them when they thought they hit rock bottom. Their stories are just two of the more than 4,800 that came through Brookdale’s doors since opening in 2021. These stories are why the Center keeps doing what it is doing and why it needs continued support.

Since opening, hundreds of thousands of dollars, needed items, and volunteer hours have been donated by people. To mark the fifth anniversary of the Brookdale Resource Center, people are encouraged to do five things that, ultimately, will support current and future residents:

• Give five dollars. (Click link to donate online/see donation lists)
• Volunteer five hours of service. (Click link to sign up)
• Order five needed items. (Click here for Amazon wishlist) (Click here for donation list)
• Share the story of Brookdale with five people.
• Support Brookdale for the next five years.

Click here to learn more about the Brookdale Resource Center.