“I never gave up getting back on my feet.”
A flight attendant returning to her home base In Newark, NJ in 2006, Wendy Thomas witnessed a horrific shooting that left her seriously depressed and anxious. Eventually, she was formally diagnosed with PTSD.
Originally from West Virginia, Wendy had a stable work history which included a successful career in sales based in Miami for 15 years. After the suggestion of friends, Wendy decided to become a flight attendant in mid life. It was an exciting time for her.
The Newark incident took its toll on her emotionally and physically. She knew immediately that she would not be able to fly, at least right then. After significant support from the airline, she decided to transfer to Houston. Upon arrival, she rented a room in a hotel near George Bush International Airport. Even though she didn’t have the words for it at the time, she experiences a frightening and debilitating panic attack.
She could not work and eventually went through her entire savings. Homeless was her only option—she lost her apartment and had nowhere to turn. “When you’re homeless, it’s not just about coming up with food and basic needs it’s also about your mind. You’re so busy standing in lines and trying to survive that you have no time to take care of the emotional needs you have.”
Eventually, with the help of Don Hall of SEARCH, Preston Witt of Harmony House, and the staff at Lord of the Streets, Wendy obtained permanent supportive housing in 2011. “There was no way I could take care of myself emotionally and mentally until I got housed. I was just trying to survive.”
Now Wendy can concentrate on getting back on track and she’s looking forward to moving on and reconnecting with her family.
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