The story of Henry Comas, a 58-year-old deaf man experiencing homelessness in Memphis, is a testament to the power of community and the work of two organizations: Homes for Hearts and Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. 

Henry's journey began in 2015 when he was evicted from his apartment. The owners had decided to no longer allow dogs in the building. With his limited income, Henry knew it would be difficult to find a place that would allow him and his three dogs to live. But, Henry could never abandon his dogs. He loves them dearly, and they make him feel safe since he cannot hear. They are his "ears", looking out for him. So, Henry decided to live in his car with his three dogs until he could find a place to call home.

In 2022, I met Henry. He and his three dogs were living in his car full time. Tragically, one of Henry's dogs, Billie, passed away last week. Despite the loss, Henry's determination to find a home for him and his remaining dogs remained unshaken.

Homes for Hearts is a Memphis-based nonprofit organization that builds single-family tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness. Their mission is to help Memphians move towards affordable and sustainable homeownership. They partner with other organizations, like Room in the Inn Memphis, to vet and manage each of their residents. The vetting process is based on relationship building and the individual's willingness to work towards sustainability and homeownership.

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In 2022, Henry applied to Homes for Hearts, and today, a new tiny home is under construction for him. This home will be part of Homes for Hearts' zero-profit, zero-interest, affordable and sustainable Tiny Homeownership Program.

Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a nonprofit organization serving Middle Tennessee, northern Alabama, southern Kentucky, and Memphis, TN. They provide education, outreach, case management, interpreting services, and more to individuals and families living with hearing loss. They were instrumental in connecting Homes for Hearts with Henry.

The community can help these organizations in their mission to provide homes and support for individuals like Henry. For Homes for Hearts, donations can be made through their website. These funds go towards building tiny homes and supporting their Homeownership Program. For Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, support can come in the form of volunteering, participating in their workshops, or making donations to fund their various programs.

The story of Henry and his dogs is a powerful reminder of the impact that organizations like Homes for Hearts and Bridges for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing can have on individuals experiencing homelessness and other challenges. By supporting these organizations, the community can help more people like Henry find a place to call home.