PATCHOOG, NY — A Long Island father and son experience a Christmas like no other.
They just moved from a homeless shelter to their own apartment, thanks to Catholic Charities.
“It’s Like a Dream”
For Bill Connor and his 7-year-old son George, “home for the holidays” has a special meaning.
“I like everything,” George said.
“It’s like a dream. It’s a dream to have this,” Bill said.
They celebrated Christmas in their own home for the first time.
Bill Connor’s life unraveled before George was born. The 67-year-old single father lost his Oakdale home in Superstorm Sandy.
“We lost everything overnight. Imagine losing everything you have overnight,” Connor said.
He got on his boat and did odd jobs when his health failed. Child Protective Services later determined that the boat was an unsafe place to raise a child, so they moved to a room in a homeless motel for three years.
“It was pretty tough. You hear people screaming and crying and cursing and yelling,” he said.
Catholic charities got involved. The group helps homeless people with disabilities pay the rent. Now the Connors live in a two-bedroom apartment in Patchogue.
‘It is impossible to describe how happy we are’
Catholic charities have found permanent housing for hundreds of homeless families. Project Independence, which helps people from all different faiths and backgrounds, currently subsidizes the rent of 43 families, and the charity is in it for the long term.
“Living on Long Island isn’t cheap for anyone, so if you’re homeless or on the brink of homelessness, it can be nearly impossible to get back on your feet,” said Gena McSorley of Catholic Charities. “We pay what is necessary, for as long as it is necessary.”
The apartment is more than just a roof and walls.
“This is assurance for George that he has a solid home where he doesn’t have to jump from school to apartment,” Connor said.
He shared his message for others struggling with challenges.
“My motto in life has always been: ‘Be happy with what you have, and don’t be sad about what you don’t have,’” he said. “There are a lot of great people in the world and they don’t get enough recognition. Catholic charities are big.”
“There is no way to describe how happy we are when we see someone get back on their feet and get the life they deserve,” McSorley said.
Catholic charities are changing the lives of some of Long Island’s 4,000 homeless people. And while some of the gifts under the tree came from Santa and his helpers at Catholic Charities, the best gift for the Connors is a home of their own.
Carolyn Gusoff
