By Krista Ramsey • kramsey@enquirer.com • September 4, 2009
Almost from the moment Julie Jordan’s story went up on the Enquirer’s Web site Thursday, calls of support poured in for the 66-year-old homeless woman and her dog Lucky.
Jordan and Lucky have been living in her car in the parking lot of a suburban store since June after Jordan filed bankruptcy, then lost her job and her home.
Readers who saw her story called Warren County Community Services, which is coordinating aid, to pledge everything from a spare room in their home to a year’s supply of veterinary care for Lucky. The more than 60 calls came from as far away as Chicago and Columbus, where one donor offered a radio and batteries since Jordan’s car radio no longer works.
“People are donating everything from money to a year’s supply of dog food to a hand-made blanket,” said Sue Miller, family service director of Warren County Community Services. “It just gives you hope. With the economy as bad as it is, we’ve been delighted by the outpouring by the community.”
A number of callers offered Jordan free use of a rental property – including a four-bedroom house in Delhi Township – or care for Lucky if Jordan found temporary housing where she couldn’t take the dog. One 84-year-old caller said she was having trouble making ends meet herself but wanted to make a small donation to Jordan.
Social services workers Friday were going to the parking lot where Jordan spends nights and the public parks where she takes Lucky during the day to make contact with her. Various Warren County agencies were coordinating services to help her with housing, food and medical needs.
“There are lots of social agencies in the area, and they’re all like, ‘We can do this,’” said Judy Wells, director of care management and intake services for the Warren County Elderly Services Program.
Miller said her agency was especially pleased that Jordan’s story led a handful of other homeless people to call and ask for help. “To have that many people call in on a single day is really amazing,” Miller said.
If you would like to donate to Julie Jordan and her dog Lucky, call Warren County Community Services at 513-695-2249 or visit www.wccsi.org.
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