Gary Timmins, U.S. Navy veteran and former client of the Allentown Rescue Mission, praised the Mission for helping him get back on his feet at a donation presentation by the Emmaus Veterans Committee. The Emmaus Veterans Committee is an annual supporter of the Allentown Rescue Mission. When they learned this year that one of their own was a beneficiary of its services, they increased their donation and presented a check to the Allentown Rescue Mission with Timmins in attendance.
The event served as a homecoming for Gary, who lived at the Allentown Rescue Mission for 90 days in 2018. Gary was a retired veteran living on a fixed income. So when his rent was raised more than once in a short amount of time, he became homeless. At first, he tried living with family and friends but he didn’t want to overstay his welcome. That’s when Gary then found his way to the Allentown Rescue Mission.
The Allentown Rescue Mission eased Gary’s burden during this difficult time. In addition to the basic necessities of food and shelter, Gary received the help and time he needed to put his life in order. His top two priorities were applying for housing and staying connected to his veterans group.
During his stay at the Allentown Rescue Mission, Gary attended all veteran group activities, including the funerals of fellow veterans. Gary cherished the feeling of normalcy he felt at the events and thanked the Mission for understanding the importance of maintaining his personal connections. These connections ultimately led to Gary securing housing.
Representatives from the Allentown Rescue Mission asked Gary if he had any advice for someone facing homelessness. He said, “Trust the Allentown Rescue Mission. Homelessness is not fun, but things happen for the better at the Mission.”
The Allentown Rescue Mission would like to thank the Emmaus Veterans Committee for their generous donation and for reconnecting the Mission with Gary. Gary’s story proves that focused goals can turn homelessness into a pit stop, rather than a lifelong journey.
