Charles
Denver, CO
Charles had a rough childhood. Growing up in an abusive home, he experienced violence at an early age. When his father put a shotgun to his mother’s head, he ran away for the first time. After a few attempts of trying to leave, Charles left home at the age of 12 and began his life of being homeless.
“I grew up on the streets, everywhere. I survived all these years by the goodnessof people’s hearts.”
Charles enlisted at 18 and served for four years, including time in Vietnam. After being discharged at age 21, he didn’t know where to go or have any money. He started traveling around and ended up in Denver, where he’s been homeless for the last 45 years.
“You don’t know if you’re going to wake up the next day or not. I was mentally abused. I couldn’t talk to anybody, I didn’t have any friends, I couldn’t carry on a conversation,” Charles explained. “My heart was hardened.”
Charles would receive his one meal a day from Christ in the City, a local missionary that serves the homeless. He slowly began to talk with them. They helped him fill out paperwork to begin receiving social security and connected him to Tammen Hall Apartments. Developed by Solvera Developers, Tammen Hall was built in the 1930s as a dormitory for nurses. Later it was converted into offices for the hospital and eventually sat vacant until it was renovated into affordable housing.
The past two years have been remarkable for Charles, he has discovered a community among the other residents. They play bingo, go out to lunch, and look out for each other. “Everything’s changed, way for the better.” He was able to celebrate the holidays in his own home and give Christmas gifts to friends.
“I felt good being able to give something. I missed out on all theseyears, now I’m not missing out on it anymore. I’m complete.”
Tammen Hall Apartments was made possible for Charles and other seniors through the use of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program.
