Stories

Jenna and Brent were right on track, saved their money, built their credit, paid their bills on time…responsible.  Then Jenna had a car accident and was hospitalized for three weeks.  Although Brent continued to work, the two incomes that met their needs were temporarily reduced to one.   Things…

Charles became homeless after his wife divorced him at age 53. A high school dropout, he worked strenuous labor most of his life and sustained back injuries, disabling, and causing him immense pain.  Eventually, he became addicted to prescribed medication.  His education was a barrier; he never learned to…

Mark Kelly is a long time Blount countian who is on a fixed income. Mark’s rent went up due when his apartment came under new ownership and he was no longer able to afford the rent. He experienced homelessness for months before he came to APTS for assistance where…

Martha was a caretaker for her mother Mary, along with caring for her two children. They became displaced at the end of 2022 when their landlord wanting renters to buy the homes instead of renting them. Martha and Mary are both on a fixed incomes and could not afford…

Damin is presently unhoused.   As he tells his story of being overwhelmed by the recent death of his mother and now sleeping in a tent without financial resources and access to emergency shelter, his words are interrupted by his soft cries and the wiping away of his tears.   “I just…

Katie feels stuck in her present living situation. She had been homeless earlier, but now, life is still a struggle for her. She reveals that her place is quite expensive, with activities concerning her safety and well-being. She works 40 hours a week, making a living by cleaning houses,…