A work injury started a downward spiral

Carl Jackson didn’t need much in his life. Though he never graduated from high school, he had a decent job, marriage, and home. Then a work injury sent his life into a downward spiral that he wasn’t sure he could recover from.

Carl’s injury led to depression and he began drinking to ease the pain. His marriage fell apart and he lost his home without any other place to go. Carl had to survive on $800 a month in disability benefits; when he didn’t have enough money for a motel room, he slept in his car. Being homeless worsened Carl’s depression, and his drinking and other health problems increased.

After a year of living between motel rooms and his car, someone told Carl about Markham Plaza, an affordable housing complex managed by EHC LifeBuilders. He applied and was thrilled to move in soon after. Simply having an affordable place to call home made an immediate difference in his mental and physical health.

A place to live was just the start

Though having a place to call home made things better for Carl, he still suffered from serious health problems, including emphysema, heart problems, and severe obesity. One afternoon, Carl passed out because his body wasn’t getting enough oxygen, and he ended up staying in the hospital for more than three months. The doctors told him that if he didn’t make dramatic changes in his current lifestyle, he should only expect to live for five more years.

The realization of that reality was powerful for Carl. He committed himself to improving his health and focusing on his future, and he asked the staff at Markham Plaza to help him in his efforts. With their support and the support of the friends he’s made at Markham Plaza, Carl quit smoking, stopped drinking, and lost more than 200 pounds.

A plan for the future

Healthier and feeling better physically and emotionally, Carl decided to devote himself to his education so that he can find a well-paying job. He began working with Markham Plaza’s vocational case manager, who helped him enroll in night classes to prepare for the GED exam and gave him the school supplies he needs to succeed. Other staff at Markham Plaza have helped him find subsidies for his electric bill and healthy food when his money just didn’t stretch to the end of the month. And Carl is an active participant in the activities that Markham Plaza has to offer, attending Bible study, movie nights, and other social gatherings.

Carl has told the staff many times how grateful he is for the help and support he gets at Markham Plaza. They’re glad that they got to play a role in helping this motivated man find his life again. They’ve noticed the difference in Carl, who once heard doctors tell him that he had less than five years to live. Now, Carl is planning for his future.

Actual names and photos have not been used in order to protect client privacy.