Jon’s Story: “They Didn’t Take No for an Answer”

Jon was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois—the “Land of Lincoln.” Growing up in Lincoln’s hometown had a lasting influence on him, particularly his belief in fairness and treating people with dignity.

As a child, teenager and young adult, Jon was active in sports, especially basketball. He went on to study philosophy at Colorado State University Pueblo before following in his father’s footsteps and joining the U.S. Air Force, where he served for two years during the Vietnam War, a period of his life he remains very proud of.

After his military service, Jon found work he truly loved: repairing bicycles. For more than 20 years, he worked as a bicycle mechanic and became well known and respected for his skills across several companies in the bicycle industry.

Then, more than a decade ago, everything changed. 

Jon became critically ill with an acute pulmonary collapse. During a particularly long surgery, there was not enough oxygen reaching his brain. His family was told that he would not survive.

He did, but the brain injury he suffered meant that he could no longer work. Without an income and with limited resources, he eventually began living in his car.

For the next 10 years, Jon got by however he could: living in his car, with friends and former coworkers, and in a rented garage in Los Altos while working at The Bicycle Outfitter. He is deeply grateful to those who helped, but relying on others strained friendships and made him uncomfortable. Living on his own, even in a car, often felt easier.

Jon had tried to get help through the VA, but was told that his two years of service did not qualify him for assistance. When asked by other organizations whether he was a veteran, he simply began to say “no.” 

Then a case manager at a large organization referred him to The United Effort Organization (UEO).

What happened next illustrates something Jon says makes UEO different: persistence.

Wei, a UEO volunteer, listened to Jon's situation and didn't simply accept the answers he had been given before. She researched the VA's policies and discovered that things had changed. Jon was, in fact, eligible for veteran assistance.

Late one evening, Jon got a call that he says he’ll never forget and always appreciate: Wei confirmed there had been a change in VA policy. The next day, she helped him re-apply for assistance that ultimately led to housing.

It worked.

Today, Jon has an apartment of his own. At almost 80, he volunteers to fix bicycles at Hope's Corner.

“If it weren't for The United Effort Organization, I would still be living in my car or on the streets,” Jon says. “UEO is different. They actually listened to me and worked on my behalf. They didn't take no for an answer; and Wei, in particular, is the reason I'm in my apartment today.”

Jon is careful not to criticize the many organizations and case managers he encountered over the years. But his experience with UEO stood out.

“I didn't come across any that helped me the way The United Effort did,” he says. “Even the job title of ‘Client Manager’ tells a different story. UEO doesn’t see clients as a number or a case. They are real people, clients who need real help.”

For Jon, the experience has reinforced something he has believed throughout his life: people deserve to be treated with dignity and given a real chance.

He also wants people to understand something important about homelessness.

“The majority of people living unhoused are not in that situation because they made bad decisions, are drug addicts or have mental illness. Health or other real-life circumstances got in the way. It's because the cost of living is just incredibly out of reach.”

Jon spent years surviving without a home, despite having served his country, worked for decades, built friendships and contributed to his community. His story is a reminder that becoming unhoused can happen to people for many reasons—and that sometimes the difference between continuing to survive on the streets and finding a safe home is having someone who will listen, look for another answer, and not take “no” for an answer.

Dignity + Persistence → Empowerment