My now husband, Ryan and I were lucky enough to be guests at the Emergency Shelter Project in Altoona. Before arriving we were terrified. What was it going to be like? We had no clue what to expect. We had just spend out last night in his Mother’s attic just crying. I was seven months pregnant and because we were not married at the time, I though that we were going to be split up. I had heard such horror stories about staying at shelters and I could not bear the thought of being in a separate room from Ryan.

Upon our arrival we were greeted by Bryan. Although he was very kind, we did not feel at ease until he told us that we would have our own room together. Only then did we think that it would not be as bad as we had imagined. He went thought all the rules of the shelter and then showed us to our room.

Ryan and I kept to ourselves for the first week until we started having problems with each other. Bryan and his staff went above and beyond what we had expected— I don’t know what we would have done without them. They played mediator and marriage counselor many times, but most of all we felt like they were/are our friends.

Ryan and I worked really hard to get where we are today, but I know without a doubt that if Bryan and his staff would not have taken the time that they did to help us, we would not have a place to call home.

My husband and I will always be grateful to Bryan and his staff. They will forever have a place in our hearts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Ryan, Kelly and Baby Gage

PS: To the next couple or person who is lucky enough to get a room in the Emergency Shelter Project, take advantage of all the help that is offered but NEVER take it for granted. We all need a little help at one time or another, just be grateful there are places like this that are willing to give a helping hand. Also, do not expect to have everything handed to you, nothing in life comes free but instead work hard to reach your goals. Never give up and we promise you that in the end you will receive everything you ever wanted and more…We did!

Anyone that becomes homeless does not have to stay that way.

All services are strictly confidential as outlined in the agency’s Confidentiality Policy.  As required by this policy, Family Services Incorporated must report all cases of suspected child abuse to Childline, the 24-hour Department of Public Welfare hotline.