No Matter How Hard You Fall, there is Hope, Dover Couple Proves It

Dover couple Mike McCants and Shannon Bettyrose Peters are proof that if you don’t give up, you can succeed according to an article on seacoastonline.com.  The couple found themselves in hard times last year after Peter’s had an injury and could no longer work.  McCant’s job was just not enough to cover the rent and they lost their housing last November, sadly, on Peter’s birthday.  It was a gut punch.  Then Mike and Shannon started living in a tent until there was space at the Cross Roads House homeless shelter.  According to seacoastonline.com, the couple spent 5 long, dark cold months waiting for housing.

In mid-April, they received temporary housing at the Garrison Hotel in Dover.  As you can imagine, securing housing and work during a pandemic is rough.  The hotel was operating as an overflow for temporary housing due to the pandemic and the couple was terrified, they would lose it.  Thankfully, their stay was extended until June.  They lived in fear of having to go back to the streets.

McCant, a Vet who served 8/12 months on a deployment in Afghanistan, was encouraged to pursue benefits through the VA, and finally, their hopes were answered. Through reporting from Fosters.com, Peter’s says “Start with 211 and don’t give up.”  State and local aid are being stretched to its limits, but Peter’s is so grateful to all those workers, volunteers, and agencies that helped them.  McCant qualified for a Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing voucher which helped the couple land their own apartment.

It’s been a difficult year, but the pair say they are committed to continuing with counseling and classes to keep on moving toward a secure future.  They have even planned to get married next August, and the Garrison Hotel has generously offered their property for the venue.  A local officiant will be presiding over the wedding for free.  McCant and Peters want to thank the community that helped them through this crisis, from housing to household items to just being there and caring.