Mr. KP left Richmond, Virginia en route to visit his son in Greenville, SC in August 2005, when he became stranded in Charlotte, NC. A police officer brought him to the Uptown Men's Shelter (UMS), after finding him sleeping under a tree.

Mr. KP has a four year degree in mechanical engineering and a valid CDL. He worked until late 2004 when he lost vision in both eyes due to cataracts and could no longer read blue prints. He has occasionally performed day labor, but even that became impossible. He went to a Richmond medical clinic for assistance with his eyesight, but they could not help. Mr. KP's life took a major turn for the worse when, over four years ago, his common law wife died. He has lived in the streets and shelters ever since.

Mecklenburg County Health Department Homeless Support Services (HSS) met Mr. KP when he first arrived in the Charlotte area. Because of his disability, his appropriateness for the shelter was questionable. The HSS worker stationed at the shelter conducted a comprehensive assessment and developed a case plan for the client so that he could remain at the shelter. His plan included referrals and connections to the NC Services for Blind, a U. S. Department of Housing Development homeless program recipient (HUD), to a medical clinic nurse located at the shelter, Department of Social Services (Food Stamps, Medicaid), Social Security Disability, a local community agency that assists consumers in obtaining disability benefits more successfully, and the local Public Housing Authority, funded by HUD.

The shelter case manager and HSS social worker collaborated to advocate on Mr. KP's behalf. Although he was not eligible for NC Services for the Blind until he had been a NC resident for 6 months, he would possibly be eligible for a program like Vocational Rehabilitation when he was stable and ready to work. He applied for disability on his own and also went to DSS for food stamps and Medicaid.

Things started coming together for Mr. KP. Although UMS made an Adult Protective Services referral, it was rejected. He needed to get a medical disability statement from a doctor for Department of Social Services. He saw the shelter nurse and was referred to CW Williams (Dr. Metcalf) on August 30. They assisted him in setting up an appointment with Lion Services Eye Clinic for Oct 21.

He had cataract surgery on his left eye last week and can finally see again! When a friend from the shelter asked him how he wanted to celebrate, Mr. KP responded that he wanted lunch at Hooters! So, the two of them went�3 days in a row. Mr KP is scheduled for surgery on his right eye later this month. Then, he plans to utilize his CDL.

Success: restored vision & anticipated return to labor force (and ultimately out of homelessness), as a result of the collaboration between HSS & UMS, along with supportive services from DSS, CW Williams, HUD, Mecklenburg County Housing Authority, and Lion's Services.