Referral Sources

Whom We Serve

Jose	Helen	George	Alex	John

Criteria for Admission

• 58 years or older
• The residents are admitted to the program without regard to race, creed, disability or financial status
• Not a danger to oneself or others
• Homeless or at serious risk of becoming homeless
• Capable of achieving independent housing
• Willing to engage in a program to change their lives

Success Stories

Ed - has a Masters Degree in Public Health but suffers from chronic mental illness and was unable to obtain employment in this field. He had been homeless for 18 years wandering the country, living in shelters, temporary housing and, for many years, in the woods. He was our first resident and was with us for almost 2 years. He entered treatment for his mental health problems. He learned daily living skills and re-engaged with his family who lived in a nearby state. He served as a Resident Representative on our Board of Directors. He eventually gained part-time employment and married a volunteer of the Shelter of the Cross. He presently lives in Danbury, continues to work, and is enjoying his new found family life.

"I needed this program when I came here, and I have come a long way."


Helen - is a graduate of N. E. Conservatory of Music and an accomplished organist and pianist. She was a six year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, divorced with no children. She became homeless when her live-in companion position was terminated due to the death of her employer. Had it not been for the Shelter of the Cross, she would have been forced to live in emergency shelters and the streets. She was very anxious and frail when she arrived at our home. Within four months she became our first "graduate". We assisted her to find another live-in companion position, which she kept until she turned 62 years old and became eligible for Senior Housing. She is now happily residing in her own apartment, is employed part-time as a pianist for the local Senior Center and is involved in church activities.

"The Shelter of the Cross was fantastic for me and served its purpose until I got my life together."


John - had lived many years illegally with those who often took advantage of his generous nature and inability to read and write. During his two years at the Shelter of the Cross, John maintained part-time employment, volunteered in the community, attended to his many health problems, opened a bank account and learned daily living skills. His self esteem and confidence improved greatly during his stay at the Shelter of the Cross. John is currently on a disability pension. His health is precarious, but he continues to enjoy the independence and privacy of his own apartment.

"The Shelter of the Cross helped me to build a new way of life, to be on the top, not on the bottom."


Jose - is a 69 year old Hispanic male who lived many years on the streets, in shelters and in abandoned buildings. He lost several toes to frostbite and suffers from diabetes and a heart condition. He had been separated for many years from his wife and children. After 10 months at the Shelter of the Cross he moved into permanent housing. He continues to receive needed medical attention, is maintaining his sobriety and has been reunited with his family. He is an excellent cook and housekeeper. Jose is very grateful for the assistance given to him by the Shelter of the Cross. He has become one of our Continuing Donors donating funds from his Social Security pension each month.

"You took me out of the streets. I'd like to stay here the rest of my life!"


Ralph - was a 73 year old, single, white male who had lived 53 years in one home with his mother and step-father. He became homeless when the family home was sold to pay for nursing home costs. He came to us physically frail and in a state of severe mental exhaustion. All his possessions had been sold along with the house. He obtained his own apartment after 5 months at the Shelter of the Cross during which time his medical conditions and mental health improved considerably. Shelter of the Cross assisted Ralph to furnish his apartment with furniture and household goods which had been donated to the Shelter of the Cross.

"You have a very successful program and I consider myself fortunate to part of it. I am getting the help I need so I cannot help but be successful."

Micaela - is a 73 year old Hispanic female who became homeless after experiencing domestic problems. She thrived in the supportive environment at the Shelter of the Cross. Her financial and medical needs were addressed and as she adjusted to the Shelter of the Cross she assumed much responsibility. She obtained housing quickly due to her age and physical problems. She continues to visit "her new family" at the Shelter of the Cross frequently.

Dick - is a 61 year old white male who came from a nursing home after rehabilitation from a head injury and domestic problems. He engaged in a substance program, family counseling and psychiatric treatment. He applied for financial benefits for his disability. He and his wife reconciled and he returned home after a few months stay at the Shelter of the Cross.

"It was not until after I left the Shelter of the Cross that I appreciated how important it was for me to be there. It was a wonderful agent for change."

Ron - Came to the Shelter of the Cross after hospitalization and rehabilitation. He was a very angry person who was struggling with remaining sober after many years of drug and alcohol addictions. He had no income and no medical insurance and was living on the streets. Ron remained with us for 18 months. During this time he attended groups and programs dealing with substance abuse and mental health problems. He was assisted to apply for and received Social Security Disability Benefits. He became a leader in our house, often substituting for staff on weekends and holidays. Ron is an effective group leader and the other residents respect and listen to his suggestions and advice. He is now living independently and successfully in Danbury. Ron has reunited with his children and grandchildren and now looks forward to a greater role in their lives.

Notable Quotes

Eddie: "He had never seen a place like this where all the residents worked together."

Allen: "Being here allows you to sort out your feelings without the craziness of the outside world influencing you."

Ron: "The Shelter of the Cross helped him to become more social. It took 2½ years to bring him to where he is today and that a positive attitude has created positive changes within himself."

Loretta: "If she had one word to say for the group it would be 'Progress'."

Gino: "The Shelter of the Cross saved my life!"

Carl: in describing the group, chose the word "Courtesy".

Cleo: "This place does not get under your skin, it gets into your heart."

Allen: "The Shelter of the Cross is my safty net. It allows me to take risks and try things that I could never try before. In the future I can see myself without the net, but not just yet."

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