RISE Housing and Support Services memorializes a longtime Supported Housing resident, Harold, who passed away this past summer. Harold moved into the Supported Housing Program in 1994 where he lived a full and robust life.
Harold is described as a kind person with a gentle soul and was well liked by Supported Housing Staff.
Amy Perkins, Supported Housing Counselor, remembers him with fondness, “Harold was a pleasure to work with. He always had a smile to give.”
“Harold was a pleasure to work with & had a great sense of humor.”
Mike La Belle, Supported Housing Counselor agrees, “Harold was a funny guy and had a great sense of humor.”
Rik Jordan, Residential Director, says, “Harold was really a model for success in Supported Housing. He did not have any mental health hospital admissions for as long as I’ve been involved with Supported Housing which is since 2004.”
Harold was known for his willingness to lend a hand, and he was known to be helpful to his friends and neighbors. John Shoemaker, Supported Housing Program Director, describes Harold’s generosity, “He had a big heart and really enjoyed helping people when he could.” Harold was active in his church, considered his church members as his family, and donated to many charitable causes. His fellow church members consider him as family as well and often invited Harold to their homes to celebrate the holidays.
“Harold had a big heart and really enjoyed helping others.”
In addition to his church and charitable activities, Harold like to read newspapers, follow sports, and engaged in politics. John, extols, “He voted. He always made a point to ask his Supported Housing Counselor to take him to go vote.”
Both John and Amy agree that the most difficult part of working with Harold was that he didn’t like to ask for help. John says, “He was old school, set in his ways, and didn’t like to ask for help.” Amy expands, “Whenever, I’d ask him if he needed anything, he would always answer no, he was fine. I had to get creative, figure out what he needed, and then present it to him in a way where, by accepting the help, he didn’t feel like a burden.”
“He stood by what he said. He was generous. He was steadfast.”
Amy shares that Harold always participated in RISE activities such as holiday parties and the resident picnics. Mike says he was social with other RISE residents and is remembered fondly. Mikes shares that Ed, a RISE resident, neighbor and longtime friends, describes Harold as being an upstanding man, “He stood by what he said. He was generous. He was steadfast.” Harold will be missed by RISE staff and residents.