Off the Streets

Over the years, Rob has held a number of menial jobs. He lived mostly on the streets or in shelters until Homes With Heart, a program funded by a HUD grant, found him an apartment recently.

“Getting off the streets is a good thing, at least I’m not homeless anymore,” says Rob, 51, who has never owned a car and depends on his feet or public transportation for mobility. Food n’ Friends Kitchens, which dispenses free meals six days a week throughout the Attleboro area, accounts for a good part of his diet.

He’s not homeless by choice. A back injury limits his ability to hold a job, and he’s applying for Social Security benefits.

“Some people are mad because they think we [homeless people] can do more,” he said. “But we can’t do more. For one thing you can’t get around without a car and there aren’t many resources.”

Homes With Heart is a program under the auspices of the Attleboro Area Interfaith Collaborative and Community Counseling of Bristol County that connects the homeless with permanent housing.