Seeing Homelessness From Both Sides

Eugene Kozma’s life story is heartfelt and filled with incredible ups and downs which have shaped his giving nature. Throughout the year, he gives charitable donations to VHP Street Medicine, a Valley Health Partners clinical program that takes health care to patients experiencing homelessness wherever they are. Eugene often gifts the team with personalized cards, encouraging them to continue to do the challenging work they do. “It’s very important to help the homeless. There are so many people who are homeless for so many different reasons,” Eugene says.

In the cold winter of 2019, Eugene faced homelessness head-on. He lived in his storage unit for more than a year while continuing to hold a job. When telling his story, Eugene says that he was grateful to be considered an essential worker during the COVID-19 pandemic. It meant his shifts would be steady, and he could work to get time away from his storage unit, which he says was a lonely place.

In April 2020, life threw another curveball Eugene’s way. He was diagnosed with both pneumonia and COVID-19. He had no place to safely recover in quarantine. This is where VHP Street Medicine came in. “I needed them that day, being homeless and all; that was important. They helped me,” Eugene says. VHP Street Medicine provided him with medical care after his diagnosis, thanks to local community partners that not only connected Eugene to VHP Street Medicine but linked him to additional services including a free hotel stay so he could quarantine safely.

Eugene’s life took a positive turn after he recovered from his illnesses. In July 2020, he was accepted into Bethlehem’s New Bethany Ministries housing program. He saved enough money to move into his own apartment and restart his life. His positive attitude has helped him through extremely tough times. Offering his thoughts on the current state of housing, Eugene says the discrimination unhoused individuals face when seeking an apartment is hard to deal with. He wonders if landlords fear the idea of homelessness themselves. As someone who was employed throughout, Eugene believes homelessness can strike anyone. To support those who may also be struggling with homelessness, Eugene continues to generously give to VHP Street Medicine today.

VHP Street Medicine cares for people experiencing homelessness, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Services are offered on a scheduled rotation at eight designated community organizations, soup kitchens and shelters, as well as at other Lehigh Valley shelters and recovery homes on an as-needed basis. Learn more.