Each year, Care For the Homeless honors people who have experienced homelessness and achieved incredible milestones in health, housing, and employment. Their stories are reminders that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to homelessness, but with access to health care, supportive services, and community support, success is possible.

Bertram’s journey is a testament to that. After facing serious health challenges, he was connected to Care For the Homeless through an emergency department visit. With the help of supportive providers and friends, he began to heal. His light and positivity have been guiding forces in his recovery.

We’re honored to share Bertram’s success.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What is your name? 

My name is Bertram Weston. 

Can you tell me a bit about yourself? 

Well, I’m 57 years old. I’m grateful to have another shot at life when it comes to my health. It was really bad. 

But thanks to the doctors at Bellevue, I got the help I needed. I came to them open-hearted, with concerns—mostly fatigue—and they jumped right in, from the emergency room to follow-up care. I now have a primary doctor who checks my blood work and gives me physical [exams]. 

I had concerns because I didn’t think my health was that great. I eat well, but I was still worried. To be told I’m healthy—aside from [possibly] borderline diabetes—is amazing. I want to do everything in my power to make sure I stay that way. It feels good to be healthy at 57, and I look forward to taking care of myself every day. 

Can you tell me a bit about how you became unstably housed? 

I came from Bend, Oregon in 2023 because I almost lost my legs. I was outside playing winter sports, and when I took off my boots, my legs swelled—two sizes up, from my feet to my knees. The doctor in Oregon told me they might need to amputate. I said, “No, you’re not.” 

I started soaking in Epsom salt and got better. But I was still working with kids, giving them my all, and the doctors said I needed to elevate my feet. They warned me that if I didn’t, the swelling would stay. 

Eventually, I called my sister in Staten Island and drove all the way from Oregon to New York. I stayed with her on and off, but it wasn’t comfortable—it was toxic in some ways. They didn’t understand that I was trying to rehab naturally, without meds or doctors. I believe in Buddha and Hinduism, and I worship the sun. And honestly, it worked—for a while. 

But by December 24th, the stress caught up to me. I was dealing with [malnutrition] from December through April. I finally said, “This isn’t working,” and checked into the emergency room at Bellevue. 

They sent me to detox in Yonkers, and I ate every healthy thing I could. They ran tests and told me I was doing great. I couldn’t believe it. I was getting healthy so fast, and that meant everything to me. The last thing I wanted was to spiral and lose my health—because it means so much, especially as a dancer. I want to finish my career. My health is a priority, and now I’ve been getting nothing but support. What you’re seeing—these are not tears of pain. They’re tears of joy. I’m happy. 

How were you connected to Care For the Homeless? 

When I entered the Bellevue Men’s Shelter, they said, “We want you to see a doctor.” I was like, “OK, let’s do it!” because I’m all about my health. 

I saw the doctor the first day, then my counselor the next. They took blood, and I met with psych. I was also connected to Bellevue Hospital outpatient care, which is just two blocks away. 

That’s how I got my primary doctor—Dr. Jamie Landowski. I love her. She’s already referred me to get a hearing aid since I’m partially deaf. For the past two years, I was focused on healing my legs, so I didn’t even think about my hearing. Now that my legs are better, I can focus on other things—like hearing, glasses, and dental care. That’s how I came across Care For the Homeless. 

Since being connected with Care For the Homeless, what has your health journey been?  And how do you focus on obtaining these health successes every day?  

My focus is making my health a priority. 

No more procrastinating—I need a primary doctor for the second half of my life. It’s about regular checkups, seeing my dentist, getting hearing aids and glasses—staying focused, happy, and limber. 

All these things were part of my life before I injured my legs. When I lived in Oregon, I was thriving—loving myself, practicing mindfulness every day. “Woosa, woosa, woosa.” I was eating well—broccoli, cauliflower, veggies. Of course, I have my candy—but I balance it. I drink Gatorade for electrolytes. I’m proud of myself for taking the steps to stay healthy. 

Now, with the help of Care For the Homeless, I can finish my degree, return to college, and hopefully become a college teacher. That’s my goal. 

Can you tell me more about your job and your long-term goals? 

Oh my God, my job is amazing. 

I met someone wonderful just by helping a stranger on the street. She was carrying things to her house near Grand Central Station, and I offered to help. She said yes, and I helped her again the next day, vending her clothes and jewelry. 

Grand Central feels like Times Square to me—the energy is amazing. I love people. Strangers smile at me, I smile back—we laugh and connect. I feel right at home again. 

She introduced me to the owner who runs the vendor space, and she said, “You’re amazing—want to work for me?” I said yes. We share the same soul, the same mission. She does this not for money, but because she cares. I know that feeling—being taken advantage of by people with money. That’s why I put my dance career on hold. 

Now it’s me, her, and all the vendors at the station. People ask, “Who is this guy?” and she says, “He’s my assistant.” We’re already planning projects in New York City as a team. It’s a beautiful partnership. 

How long have you been in the shelter system? 

You ready for this? Three weeks. Three weeks! 

It feels like yesterday. I don’t know how everything happened so fast. And yes, I want to give myself credit—but only partly. 

I give myself credit for making the effort and believing I could turn my life around with help—so long as I stayed sincere and honest. I’ve received nothing but love and support. There’s no other way to explain it. So thank you—thank you to Dr. Hill, to Bellevue, and to everyone who has helped me. If there’s anything I can do to give back, just let me know. 

One last question: For other folks who are in shelters. What’s your advice to them? 

Be honest. 

If you want to change your life, if you want a job, if your health matters to you—tell your counselor that the day you walk into the shelter. They know who’s trying to help themselves and who isn’t. They can see who’s sincere. 

Tell them, “I want to change my life. My health is a priority.” And then start taking the steps. Set up a primary doctor. Start looking for a job. Don’t wait for someone to do it for you. 

If they see you making the effort, they’ll meet you halfway. But if you’re not trying, don’t expect them to chase after you—there are so many people struggling. It hurts me to see it, but I understand. 

Wherever I go, people see that I’m making the effort—and you can, too. Just believe in yourself. Tell yourself, “I’m going to get healthy. I’m going to get a primary doctor. I’m going to take care of myself and eat right.” I’m 57, and I’m healthy. Borderline diabetes—that’s all. That says a lot. Prioritize your health.