Mr. Charlie's Story - Bishop Cosgrove Center
These days, Mr. Charlie, age 68, arrives at the Bishop Cosgrove Center at 6:00 a.m. to volunteer in preparing daily meals. But, it wasn’t always that way. In 1995, Mr. Charlie was homeless. For the next 13 years, he relied on the Cosgrove Center for a hot meal and a shower
“The Cosgrove Center gave me the opportunity to meet my basic need of food, but allowed me to maintain my physical appearance and dignity,” says Mr. Charlie.
With the help of staff members, Mr. Charlie has been able to receive benefits and live independently in a senior housing unit. “I can’t describe the feelings I had the first night I slept in a secure place with no worries about my safety,” he says.
In 2009, the Bishop Cosgrove Center served over 126,000 meals to the homeless and working poor in downtown Cleveland. In addition to basic assistance, the center offers referrals to employment and training programs, health screenings, veteran administration benefits, and assistance with obtaining housing subsidies. For Mr. Charlie and others marginalized by society, the Cosgrove Center offers moments of compassion and peace to inspire hope for a better life.
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Learn more about the services and programs provided by Bishop William M. Cosgrove Center (click on Emergemcy Assistance Services)