Houston's Story
It was the middle of winter when a fire broke out in Houston Morrow’s Milwaukee apartment. While trying to escape, he fell and hit his head. A week later, he woke up in the hospital after being in a coma.
After spending almost three months in the hospital, Morrow, 62, had no place to live, no clothes, and all his belongings were gone.
“Everything I had burned up,” he said. “If it weren’t for y’all, I’d really be messed up.”
Morrow, who is disabled and living on a fixed income, said he reached out to The Salvation Army while he was still in the hospital. Upon learning about his situation and getting the necessary documentation, Morrow received a coat, boots, two pairs of jeans, two packs of t-shirts, and a pack of socks.
Two Salvation Army case managers personally delivered the items to Morrow at the hospital.
“It’s a good thing y’all do this because a lot of times, people don’t have anywhere to turn,” Morrow said. While they were there, they provided him with housing resources and comfort. “I’m most grateful for being able to leave the hospital with clothes and a coat,” Morrow said. “I have a lot of respect for The Salvation Army. Without y’all’s help, I’d really be in a bad situation.”
In addition, he was provided a voucher from The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services to help rebuild his life.
“I’d like to get a new place, get some furniture, some towels,” he said. “I don’t have anything, and that would be really nice. Money is real tight.”
Reflecting over the past three months, Morrow said he learned to really appreciate every little thing.
“Everything is not a given. I appreciate things more now,” he said. “I’ve lost everything I have and appreciate everything I get. I’m stronger now. Even stronger than when I got out of the hospital. Y’all really really helped me.”
Morrow is currently living with his mother in Minnesota and said he hopes to rebuild and someday give back to the place that gave him so much.
“If I ever get on my feet, I’ll make a donation to The Salvation Army and pay it forward,” he said.