Meet Mike

Immediately upon meeting Mike I can tell by his heavy breathing and labored walk that he is in a lot of pain. I ask, “How you doing today Mike?”
Mike pauses and puts his bag down, “As my Dad used to say, I feel like a million bucks, wrinkled, spent and green.”
Upon further discussion I learn that Mike is a 63-year-old Vietnam veteran who receives Social Security Income and Veterans Benefits. He suffers from Bronchitis, Emphysema, Diabetes and has severe Arthritis in his neck.
Mike is at the Samaritan House because of a reduction in his benefits amount. An overpayment and consequent reduction resulted in being unable to maintain his living arrangement. The regional VA at Ft. Harrison suggested he come to the Samaritan House for shelter.
Mike tries to keep his spirits up but admits it gets tough. He recently had to give up his dog, a Border Collie named “Louie” he had for nine years. Samaritan House is helping Mike with food and shelter as well as accessing other types of benefits he might qualify for.