Respect Your Elders John and Dorothy's Struggle
Respect at the age of 64 and 70 years old is what you believe you would get. That and possibly some much needed rest and relaxation. That is not what retirement meant to Dorothy and John. They both found themselves worn out, struggling to do even simple tasks and tired all the time. They both have disabilities. Dorothy has COPD which leaves her dependent on constant oxygen. John, her husband, has a bad heart and asthma.
They lived on the ninth floor of a 15 floor apartment complex. Riding the frequently stopping elevator that did not have air-conditioning would leave them both breathless; it was an extremely difficult process to get groceries to their apartment. There were robberies, high crimes and constant turmoil. It was a rough neighborhood and sleeping did not come easy because they did not feel safe.
Dorothy and John were assisted by Volunteers of America Northwest Ohio’s housing placement coordinators through a Direct Housing grant. They were able to get help with a security deposit and rental assistance to move them into a one floor ranch.
Dorothy stated, “We can actually sleep at night and my husband’s blood pressure is down. We didn’t know where else to turn to; our prayers were answered with finding Volunteers of America Northwest Ohio.”