“The best part about this program is I can sleep when I want to and get up when I want to.”

Patti Cook’s issues with alcohol, losing a job and health problems led to her homelessness. She says living on the streets and in shelters was a way of surviving, but a dangerous one for women. When her “road buddies”, as she refers to them, started passing away, she decided it was time for a change. “I wanted something of my own,” Patti recalls. “I was getting up there in age, with a lot of health problems, and I wanted to better my life.”

Patti first came to St. Patrick Center to get out of the cold and have a hot meal. Later, she participated in the Living Skills, Shamrock Day and Women’s Night programs. “At first it was just a place to go, but then I learned how educational and resourceful St. Patrick Center is.”

St. Patrick Center case managers helped Patti fill out an application to live in the new Rosati Apartments for chronically homeless men and women. In December 2008, she moved in. “When I walked in the door, it was beautiful!” Patti says. “My apartment is nice, new, furnished, with color/cable TV, pots and pans… and I’m not homeless anymore.”

Today, Patti is enjoying apartment life. Amid her collection of stuffed animals, she happily spends time reading, playing solitaire, doing puzzles and going to meetings at St. Patrick Center.

1. Brigittte Hamilton

   October 26, 2010 at 7:29 pm

   Good Luck Patty. Keep up the good work and attend groups and take care of your stuff animal Smile)

   I know what you mean the body fget’s old and the mind, but God keeps us young (smile).