Tom K. is one of the millions of Americans who became unemployed in 2009, during the worst days of the economic recession. Within months of losing his job as a long distance truck driver, Tom learned he was facing another serious problem: a medical condition that would require surgery and a long recovery.

It was a one-two punch that meant Tom and his wife could no longer keep up with the rent payments on their apartment in the Northland. After months of struggling, on the verge of being evicted, they turned to The Salvation Army for help.

The Salvation Army paid the couple’s past due rent and enrolled them in a new program that focuses on homeless prevention. “It means everything to us to be able to stay in our home,” said Tom, whose back patio looks out over a wooded area. “We really love it here. We enjoy the wildlife we see from our balcony. It’s very peaceful.”

The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program was implemented by The Salvation Army in November 2009 and is funded through federal stimulus monies. Those entering the program must meet certain guidelines and agree to intensive case management and budgeting requirements as a part of their eligibility. Tom and his wife have weekly meetings with their case manager and receive monthly rental assistance from The Salvation Army.

In addition to housing support, The Salvation Army has also helped Tom and his wife with utility and Christmas assistance. “The Northland Corps helped us pay an overdue electricity bill and also provided us with a very nice holiday meal this past Christmas,” said Tom.  “We have no other family here, so consequently we only have each other. I can tell you, we would not have had a Christmas at all if not for The Salvation Army. It meant the world to us.”

It’s not the first time The Salvation Army has helped Tom. In 1989, while living in California, Tom was laid off from his job as a commercial credit manager. He was unemployed for two years and exhausted his savings before becoming homeless, sleeping in boxes and cartons in Santa Monica. He turned to The Salvation Army, which provided him with a sleeping bag, food, hygiene products and moral support. Eventually, he made his way back to Kansas City and a better life.

“It was a long time ago, but I will never forget that when I was at my lowest point, living on the streets, The Salvation Army was there for me,” said Tom. “And years later, they are helping to lift me up again.”

Tom, who is recovering from the surgery needed to save his life, says the view from his back patio is sweeter than ever.  And he owes it all to The Salvation Army.

“The Salvation Army has more heart and soul than ten agencies put together,” said Tom. “Every single person I’ve come into contact with at the organization has shown compassion and caring to me. I can never repay the kindness shown to me.”

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