Five years ago, Christopher Woodard moved into Laurelwood Apartments in South Carolina. When he first moved in, he was struggling with kidney failure and was unable to do a lot of the things he wanted to do. Despite his medical setbacks, he quickly made friends with his neighbors and they rallied around him like family. “My neighbors really helped me, especially when I was going through dialysis. It was so tough, but they constantly checked in on me, brought me food, and just kept me company.” During that time, Christopher made a promise to God, himself, and his neighbors, that if he ever got better he would take care of everyone the way they had all taken care of him.
In 2017, Christopher received the news that he would be receiving a new kidney. After a successful transplant, he is now healthy and, most importantly, keeping the promise he made. “All of my neighbors are elderly and sometimes have a hard time getting around, so I make sure I do everything I can to help them when they need it.” Christopher uses his car to take his neighbors to the grocery store, helps them take out their trash, and is there to be a listening ear each day. “It’s really hard now since we have to practice social distancing, but I still go to the door and knock, check on them, and talk for a few minutes to make sure they’re OK. It’s important that we all look out for each other.”
Christopher also expressed how living in affordable housing really helped him when he was going through kidney failure. “Being on a fixed income and finding this apartment was a lifesaver for me. I was living with family before I moved but having a place to call my own gave me peace of mind. I really think it helped me heal,” Christopher explained. “This is where I’m supposed to be to grow. It has been a great experience and I’m so thankful I found a home at Laurelwood.”
