Meet Rebecca

Rebecca, age 67, grew up in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama. She received a degree from Auburn University and worked as a truck driver for many years. In 2023, Rebecca suddenly lost her job and her truck, which left her stuck in the Lancaster area. She stayed in a motel for a while, but that quickly became too expensive to continue. 

Her three adult daughters helped her as much as they could for as long as they could, but eventually, Rebecca was out of options. “I went through all my savings and was just stranded,” she says.  

Rebecca is always accompanied by her service dog, Lucy. Because most homeless shelters cannot accept animals, Rebecca was unable to stay at a shelter. Instead, she purchased a tent and began sleeping outdoors, so that she and Lucy could stay together. 

Until it happened to her, Rebecca had never imagined she could end up sleeping outdoors. “The homeless are invisible, really,” she says. “I never paid any attention to the homeless until I became one.”  

Rebecca had been experiencing homelessness for a few months when she first met Milan, one of Tenfold’s Outreach Workers. As an Outreach Worker, Milan travels throughout Lancaster, connecting with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness and providing them with supplies, resources, and support accessing housing.  

“Milan came to see me once a week for two and a half years,” says Rebecca. “Anything you can think of that I needed, Milan could come up with it.” He would give her a ride whenever she needed to get anywhere, like to the DMV to get her Pennsylvania ID. He also brought her supplies, including water, hygiene products, blankets, dog treats for Lucy, and a coat for the cold winter weather.  

“The first winter wasn’t that bad. The second winter was torturous,” Rebecca recalls. Having some warm weather supplies made a big difference in her comfort and safety.  

Crucially, Milan also helped Rebecca feel less alone. “Just knowing that there was someone that cared was a lot of it,” she says. “He never treated me like I was not accepted in society.”  

Milan appreciated Rebecca’s resilience and positive attitude. “She’s been nothing but kind, patient, and a truly humorous friend to me as well– always asking how I’m doing and looking out for me when I came to see her and Lucy in their tent over the years,” he shares.  

Rebecca also received help from other resources. Lancaster’s Crisis Intervention Team checked on her, Lancaster’s Street Medicine team provided her with healthcare services, and she attended community meals in downtown Lancaster. “Lancaster is the best place… there are so many people that care,” says Rebecca.  

She also had a neighbor, a gentleman who was also experiencing homelessness, who would set up his tent near hers. Over time, they became good friends. He helped her carry heavy items to her tent, and having a neighbor made her feel safer at night.  

Throughout the challenges she faced, the thing that motivated Rebecca to keep going was Lucy, her service dog. “I can’t live without Lucy,” she shares. “She’s by my side 24/7, wherever we go.” She was determined to secure new housing, not just for herself, but also for Lucy. During her two and a half years of homelessness, Rebecca was constantly applying for apartments and putting herself on waitlists for housing.  

Finally, Rebecca was notified that a spot had opened up for an affordable apartment. Milan assisted her with the application and interview process, and Tenfold helped her pay the security deposit and first month’s rent, which made it possible for her to move in quickly. Tenfold also partnered with Off the Streets Lancaster, which was able to provide Rebecca with all the furniture she needed.   

Today, Rebecca and Lucy are happily settled into their new home and looking forward to the future. “I just want people to know that Tenfold has gone above and beyond,” Rebecca shares. “If I needed anything, I could call Milan.” 

Rebecca and Milan have continued to stay in touch. Milan shares, “Seeing her inside recently and helping her along in this final part of the housing process has given me so much joy and energy. I love talking to her on the phone even more now just to see how she is doing and hear the positivity as we chat.” 

Reflecting on her experience with homelessness, Rebecca shares, “It was really stressful. I didn’t think it was at the time, but now I look back and think ‘oh my goodness, you lived through this, you went through that.’ If it hadn’t been for Milan, a lot of times, I would have been just distraught. I’m just blessed that I was in the right place at the right time and met the right people to encourage me and show me that they cared.” 

To donate to Tenfold, click here. Your donation helps individuals like Rebecca achieve lasting stability.