SUCCESS STORIES: CDBG-Funding, Donated Dental Services, and Terry

December 3, 2019

Terry couldn’t be happier that his initial skepticism about Donated Dental Services was proven wrong. In a letter of thanks, he said this:

I am a homeless U.S. Army veteran without [any] income. From years of abuse, I have lost a majority of my teeth. Because I have no service connection, I cannot receive any dental help from the V.A. hospital anymore. My case manager mentioned that there possibly were funds available for me to get my teeth repaired. I have been going to Donated Dental to get them done. My experience with them has been nothing but pleasurable. I feel that [they] have gone over and above what I expected, or rather assumed what care I would receive…I initially was reluctant; because there were many students I didn’t think that my care would really be very good. Boy, was I wrong. Everyone is so nice and respectful. I look forward to going to the dentist. For me this has been a life changing experience. I now am not embarrassed to smile and talk with others. No longer do I have to cover my mouth to communicate with others. [I can] eat normally without having to push my food to my front teeth [to chew]. I pray that other vets will be able to enjoy the same opportunity as I have to experience normality in daily living. I am truly blessed. I hope this program can continue. To the donators, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

All client names have been changed. All stories and photos shared on the Housing Stability Division website are shared with permission. If you wish to submit your own success story, or for more information on multimedia release authorizations, you can email housingstabiliy@slc.gov, or call 801-535-7712.