Moses Lake man shares story of being homeless

MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake man is landing back on his feet after living in his car for months, thanks to the help of local services that combined efforts Thursday to assist many in need.

The man, who wished to be identified as AJ, and his wife, were left homeless just after he had major surgery, forced to live in their car for more than four months.

"I've seen how bad things can get," he said.

AJ's situation is getting better. He and his wife have moved into transition housing. Moses Lake Police Chief Dave Ruffin said he was happy to see AJ walk into the police department with a key to his new house. Ruffin asked AJ if he would share his story with others at the first Project Homeless Connect event in Moses Lake Thursday.

AJ spent time talking to several people, offering a message of home and reminding people things can get better.

Following the annual homeless count through the Grant County Homeless Task Force, several local resources and dozens of volunteers were on hand at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church to offer assistance to those who are homeless throughout the county.

Steffanie Bonwell, homeless programs supervisor with the Housing Authority of Grant County, said Thursday's event helped provide more statistics for the number of homeless people in the county besides the point-in-time count early Thursday morning. More than 100 people were given a hot meal, offered free haircuts and showers, as well as clothing, sleeping bags and food packs, Bonwell said.

Bonwell added the project allowed the task force to combine community resources in one location, with services including the housing authority, Grant County Health District, Moses Lake Community Health Center, Serve Moses Lake and WorkSource available.

Immunizations were also offered and employees from Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake provided foot washes and care.

Our Lady of Fatima Church offers the free meal, showers and clothing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday.