Summary
One person can make a difference, and Teah Nicole Wright proves it every day. Balancing the demands of her own family, she has become an unwavering advocate for Bobby, a man struggling to access the resources he desperately needs. Despite the challenges- limited shelters, withheld documents, and a society that too often turns its back-Teah refuses to give up. What keeps her going? Read her inspiring story and discover how one act of compassion can change a life.
Homeless, Not Hopeless
In Rutherford County, NC, the path to mental health and substance abuse recovery is not always easy. For individuals like Bobby, who face long-term emotional abuse from relatives, accessing the right resources has proven to be a constant struggle.
Fortunately, people like Teah Nicole Wright, have stepped in to offer the support and encouragement that can make all the difference.
Teah graciously shared Bobby’s story and how she’s been doing everything she can to ensure his safety through extreme weather, while also tending to the needs of her husband and six children.
After speaking with Teah through messages and over the phone, I learned a lot about the limitations Bobby faces while seeking resources for rehabilitation, including access to food, shelter, and medication.
As a long-time resident who had been diagnosed Bipolar, and Schizophrenic, Bobby has a hard time knowing who to trust. Some have taken advantage of his thoughtful nature, while others have deemed him unworthy of help. Teah sees him for who he truly is, a kind, respectful man who is simply misunderstood -someone who is hopeful for a better life.
A Family Connection
Teah has known Bobby her entire life. As a long-time family-friend, he has been just like family to her. She has seen the best of him, understands the challenges he faces, and aims to show him his life is just as valuable as anyone else’s.
“I understand you’ve known Bobby your whole life. What is your favorite memory of him?”
“My favorite memory of him is when Bobby and my cousins would all get together and play the guitar…Bobby didn’t play, but he’d sit around and listen and have a good ol’ time. “He was much happier back then,” Teah shared. “I was around eleven, or twelve, and they were all in their twenties.”
“What are some of the challenges you’ve faced while helping Bobby?”
“He’s literally been in, and sleeping on the streets of Spindale for the last two to three years -maybe even longer, but that’s how long I’ve been doing my best to help him… I’ve reached out to several places who are unable to help him right now for different reasons.”
Many of the organizations that might have been able to help Bobby are limited on resources -some are full, and some are left without funding, due to the devastation of Helene.
Teah is currently trying to help Bobby recover his social security number while being met with derogatory resistance from a relative in another county. Bobby’s essential documents being withheld from him is one more obstacle limiting his access to available resources, like the medication he needs.
The Motivation to Keep Helping
“How has helping Bobby impacted your life, and what motivates you to continue helping him?”
“The fact that Bobby doesn’t know how to fight for himself. So, I do my best at standing up for him. I have six kids, a husband and a house that I take care of too. It gets to be mentally exhausting. But, if not me, then who? You know?”
“What is your hope for Bobby’s future?”
I want him to feel the joys in life again, and to no longer be on and off the streets. His mental health means a lot to me, also. I just want him in a good space both mentally and physically.
A call for change
“If there is one change within our community that could help Bobby and others facing similar challenges, what would you like to see change?”
“I’d have to say we need more resources in the county! Without help, this county is rock bottom for a lot of people, and the fact that they’re fining people for being less fortunate, just isn’t fair. They should be coming up with solutions that will help, not hurt.
I’d like to see a change in how the homeless are viewed. We all have our differences, and we all face different demons, but at the end of the day, we’re all human. Someone loves them, just like you and me. Sometimes we get lost in the world, and other times we get lost in our heads, but that doesn’t make any of us less worthy of the good things in life.”
How you can help Bobby.
Bobby’s story is a reminder that recovery is not a solitary journey—it takes a supportive community. If you would like to help support Bobby’s rehabilitation, while lessening Teah’s load in her commitment to care for Bobby, you can donate through the GoFundMe Teah set up to assist Bobby with a motel room and food.
More ways you can help make a positive impact within Rutherford County, NC
- Stand up for people like Bobby, and treat strangers with dignity and kindness, no matter their appearance. No one starts their life in these situations, and you never know who you know that may one day end up in their shoes. Think of how you would want to be treated, and always lead with compassion.
- Reach out to local organizations and ask them what they could use. Maybe it’s more blankets that can be purchased from a local thrift store, a helping hand when staff is overwhelmed, or simply telling others about an organization to help the people who need their services find them more easily.
- Attend county and town council meetings to bring these issues to the front of the conversation. You can find the meeting dates, time and locations on our calendar, or by going to RutherfordCounty.gov or your town’s official website.
By bringing these issues directly to local leaders, we can shine a light on local needs, and continue to remind them of these important issues. Showing up is just one small step you can take in creating a safer, healthier and happier community.
At Roco Round are working diligently to share better access to community resources. Our goal is to make sure that people like Bobby, or the people advocating for them, can quickly find the help they need.
By advocating for better resources, offering a listening ear, and showing compassion, we can create a community where no one has to face their challenges alone.