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Medford homeless family now safe and doing well Community response means Medford family now safe and doing well Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 20, 2015 at 4:57 PM Updated Oct 20, 2015 at 4:58 PM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 20, 2015 at 4:57 PM Updated Oct 20, 2015 at 4:58 PM » Social News Joel Roberts and his family were in a panic two months ago when they lived out of two shopping carts, slept in local parks and faced a bleak future. Roberts, his 29-year-old wife, Layne, and 8-year-old son, Elijah, along with their dog and two cats thought they’d hit rock bottom when they found themselves sleeping on the front porch of Set Free Christian Fellowship on West Main Street in late August, when the Mail Tribune did a story on their plight. Help from community organizations and the church began to pour in, and the family got their travel trailer out of an impound lot. The trailer is now parked temporarily at a small recreational vehicle park at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, where Roberts receives medical attention for his heart condition and a trembling in his hands. “Here, I’m safe,” Roberts said. “Elijah’s safe, and Layne’s safe.” Pastor Chad McComas at Set Free said Roberts’ health has improved, and Elijah’s doing surprisingly well in school. “That little boy was student of the month,” McComas said. “He’s such a sweet kid.” Roberts has major health issues, he said, but now he’s getting the care he needs and doesn’t have the stress of living on the streets. “The stress was so much worrying about whether Elijah or Layne were going to eat,” Roberts said. The family now has new shoes and a place to cook dinner. Elijah has three bikes that were donated to him. Roberts said Layne should be going back to work soon. When officials at Jackson Elementary told Elijah they were going to tell him something, he thought he was in trouble before he found out he was student of the month for September, Roberts said. His son’s accomplishment has convinced Roberts that he never wants his family to be homeless again. “Elijah had to grow up way too fast,” Roberts said. “Layne is the rock of this family. She is the captain, and I let go of the wheel.” Roberts lost his trucking job several years ago after suffering a heart attack while driving, and then his life began to spiral out of control. “Being close to the hospital is very good for me,” he said. Roberts said he had an MRI on Monday. Roberts said he’s already reduced the number of medicines he takes after the doctors examined him. He thinks his head is clearer and he is less anxious without so many medications. Also he said he's noticed less trembling in his limbs. Kirstin Cronin, a case manager for the Maslow Project, said she noticed a marked change in the Robertses after they got a roof over their heads. “The stress really wears on people,” Cronin said. “It’s just so fatiguing. At this point, we’re letting them rest and letting him get the care he needs.” Cronin worked with other social service agencies and the hospital in arranging a temporary living situation while Joel Roberts seeks medical treatment. “They’re investigating all the various conditions he has,” Cronin said. “He’s facing surgery at some point.” Cronin said she’ll continue to work on a more permanent living situation for the family. “I’m really happy they're safe right now, and they are housed,” she said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on www.twitter.com/reporterdm . By Damian Mann Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Posted Oct. 20, 2015 at 4:57 PM Updated Oct 20, 2015 at 4:58 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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