Terion Laney Receives the Keys to His New Apartment

Terion Laney was homeless for five years until he came to Mission of Love Charities (MOLC) for help. Laney’s journey towards being housed was not an easy one. With the help of the team at Mission of Love Charities, he was able to sort out various aspects of his life so he could make it off the streets into an apartment.

Laney was in a car accident when he came to Maryland five years ago. He suffered from amnesia and was released to the streets from the hospital. “Not knowing who he was or where he came from made it difficult for Terion Laney to cope with his everyday needs,” said Greg Torrence, Director of Outreach for MOLC. He came to Mission of Love Charities nearly everyday for the Food Pantry.

When asked how it was to be homeless, Laney describes it as, “It was horrible. It was cold at night and I couldn’t get any sleep. I had to sleep in cars a lot. The police would often roll up. I stayed in hotels sometimes but they were expensive. I stayed at people’s houses.“ Faced with the everyday reality of needing housing and having to make do with whatever was available wore Laney down.

He found MOLC after visiting several homeless shelters in the area. Many shelters were full. Others were “tough and reckless,” so Laney returned to the streets. But he still came to MOLC for food and other services.

Michelle Person, a Case Manager, helped Laney to get Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamp) benefits. “There are awesome people at the Mission,” says Laney. “They did a lot of stuff for me,” he added. Having access to food through the SNAP program and the Food Pantry made a huge difference in Laney’s life.

Greg Torrence first introduced the idea of getting Laney an apartment about eight months ago. But there was work to be done and the staff at MOLC stepped up to do it. Most importantly, Laney had no identification. He had an expired North Carolina license. He needed a Maryland Identification to apply for an apartment. So, the staff assisted him in trying to get a birth certificate from North Carolina. It was a difficult process and the staff failed to get a birth certificate from Charlotte, North Carolina. But the team at Mission of Love Charities did not give up. The staff eventually contacted his aunt who went to Laney’s father and got the birth certificate he needed. He was able to obtain a Maryland ID after eight months of trying.

After overcoming the problem of identification, there was still work to be done. Laney needed to get sober. Greg Torrence helped him to enroll in the Intensive Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Program (IOP), held at MOLC’s location in Capitol Heights, Maryland. This program is a 16-week commitment on Laney’s part. He comes to every class twice a week. Laney also needed a telephone. The staff got him a telephone from the state of Maryland so he could be contacted for interviews and other needs. Laney received a free haircut from one of the ‘N Style Hair Salon stylists. He also got some new clothes so he could work. All of these actions contributed to Terion Laney’s dignity and self-confidence.

Torrence commented, “We all work as a team. Our team really puts the work in because they understand the assignment and the work is not easy.” Torrence says there are no days off from being homeless and he understands how the help given is a process towards an end goal.

After getting Laney’s identification, it was time to apply for an apartment. “We referred him for housing before he got the ID,” said Torrence. So once the ID was obtained he had an appointment for a housing interview almost immediately. The rules and regulations were explained to Laney and he agreed. One week later he signed his lease. He is now living at the Vesta Apartments in Suitland, Maryland.

“It’s important for all of our clients to receive assistance and Mr. Laney is just one of the recipients,” said Yessica Molina, Senior Director of Case Management.

Now Laney is part of the Employ Prince George’s County program to help him get a job, which is necessary to keep the apartment. His job coach is Miss Henson. Laney will soon be employed at a packaging facility. As all of the facets of his life come together, Laney is finally happy to be in his own home. “I have my own space, my own privacy. I wake up and it’s not loud. I have to learn how to cook a little bit more. I am more independent,” says Laney. Greg Torrence says Laney has been very cooperative and he presents well. “He was one of our best candidates,” commented Torrence, who, along with his team, is proud to have finally found Laney a home of his own.

Deborah Martinez, CEO, noted that “At the end of the day we need to provide hope. My Case Managers do that everyday.”