Thank you to Patrick and Susan who’s home sale has helped provide emergency and transitional housing for homeless families and support for our marginalized neighbors in Whatcom County through the work of Sean Humphrey House (SHH), a nonprofit organization in Bellingham, Washington whose mission is to optimize the quality of life for low-income adults living with HIV/AIDS, who may also suffer from other diseases, disabilities, and forms of mental illness. SHH offers a safe home and dignified care, while striving to foster good physical health as well as the feeling of confidence, high self-esteem and a sense of security in our residents. Sean Humphrey House is one of only two Adult Family Homes licensed by the State of Washington to provide a residence, meals, medical management services, counseling, recreational activities, and other support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Sean Humphrey House’s Lead Caregiver, Patrick, recently became a homeowner thanks to the real estate team at 2Roofs. Here’s his story…
“I was diagnosed with HIV in February of 1997, and I felt like my life had ended. Seven years later, in 2005, I was given a grim prognosis and I was admitted into the Sean Humphrey House (SHH) weighing 115lbs. This saved my life, and it was the first time in many years that I felt safe.
I was allowed to be myself and part of a family again in a safe environment around good people with a common struggle that pushed me to be better, loved me, encouraged me, called me out when I was wrong and helped me grow and gain much belief in myself. Living at the Sean Humphrey House from 2005-2010 gave me hope, taught me the importance of community, and helped me grow.
In 2013 I enrolled at Whatcom Community College, earned my GED, and continued on to college level classes. I rode the bus every day, staring out the bus window, getting glimpses of the alleys I had slept in and recalling the misery that was my life when I was homeless. Every day my bus would pass the Sean Humphrey House. I applied for a job there in 2015 and was hired on as a caregiver. My roll at the Sean Humphrey House had now reversed from receiver of care to caregiver. It was like being inside a mirror looking out and into the lives of the Residents that were struggling with many similar fears I’d experienced in the past. This gave me a unique perspective and opportunity to pay forward what I’d been given. Since then, I have been promoted to Lead Caregiver and am the Entity Representative for Sean Humphrey House.
In many ways this job chose me and I’m the luckiest man alive because of it. For some it can be the hardest thing to ask for help, to accept love, or to get the courage to even want to be a part of life anymore. For those battling HIV along with stigma of the illness, it can be even harder.”
This year, Patrick and his wife, Susan, purchased their first home together with the support of the dedicated, compassionate team of professionals at 2Roofs Real Estate. As a result of their kindness, Sean Humphrey House will receive a donation from 2Roofs, and we couldn’t appreciate the help more. The house had to cancel its planned March fundraiser this year, and it’s unknown when we’ll be able to fundraise again as usual. The financial gift from this home purchase will go toward sustaining critical house operations, and will specifically help us to purchase the unexpected and badly-needed masks, gloves, gowns, and disinfectants that keep our residents and staff safe during the COVID-19 crisis. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone involved in this important effort, and especially to Patrick & Susan Kindy for their dedication to our residents and mission. We are so glad Sean Humphrey House can be there for people who need a home, and we congratulate them on their new one!
2roofs' Realtors work hard to make your home buying or selling experience enjoyable and give part of every commission to help house a person in need. See more stories.