In 2018, on his birthday, Franco became homeless.
Just a few years earlier, Franco’s life had looked very different. After his husband died by suicide in 2015, Franco discovered that he had lost everything financially. He lost his home and the life he had built. Eventually, the only things he had left were his truck, his dog, his cat, and the hope that he could find somewhere to start again.
For months, Franco lived out of his truck, parked in a St. Paul park. He searched for housing, but every opportunity seemed to end the same way.
“I was looking everywhere for a place to live,” Franco said. “Everywhere was a closed door.”
Living without stable housing took a toll on Franco. He was already struggling with depression, and homelessness only made those feelings heavier. Then, by chance, he saw an article in the newspaper about Renaissance Box, an Aeon property.
He made an appointment and met Eric, an Aeon staff member. After touring the building, Franco could picture himself living there. He applied, but because of the process and other factors, he was told it could take some time before he knew whether he had been accepted.
Then he heard that a major winter storm was coming, just a few days away.
Franco did not know where he would go or how he would make it through another night in the cold. He began to put up cardboard over all the windows of his truck, and filled it with blankets, trying to prep for the oncoming storm.
On a Monday morning at 6:30 am, Eric called Franco and asked him to come in to sign paperwork. As Franco arrived at Renaissance Box, snow was beginning to fall. The major storm would hit that night.
But Eric kept working. For 14 hours, from 6:30 am until 8:30 pm, Eric stayed at work to make sure Franco could move into his apartment before the storm arrived. With help from Ramsey County staff who also went above and beyond to complete the process, everything came together that day.
Eric called Franco and let him know that he was in. When Franco received the keys, the apartment wasn’t completely ready. But to Franco, it didn’t matter.
“It was perfect,” he said.
Eric stayed late into the evening helping Franco move in. After spending the entire day making sure Franco had a safe place to call home, Eric shook his hand and said, “Welcome home.”
Franco moved into a small studio apartment with almost nothing inside. He sat on the floor, feeling the warmth of his new home, and finally allowed himself to rest. The next morning, he woke up to snow covering everything outside. His truck, where he would have spent the night, was buried beneath the storm.
“I just cried,” Franco said. “I was so thankful.”
That moment stayed with him. Franco never forgot the compassion Eric showed him and the effort he made to help him find a home.
“This building has had an effect on my life, and it’s been incredible.”
Years later, Franco began to worry about Renaissance Box again. After changes in staffing and challenges around the property, he considered moving somewhere else. Then Chanika joined the Aeon team.
“When Chanika showed up, something changed,” Franco said.
Chanika encouraged Franco to become involved by volunteering to help care for the landscaping around the property. Soon, Franco watched as Chanika began transforming Renaissance Box. She removed graffiti, brought in fresh paint, added artwork throughout the building, and helped restore the pride residents felt in their community.
For Franco, Chanika’s impact goes beyond the physical changes. He sees the way she cares for residents, listens to their concerns, and makes sure people feel valued.
“I can now call this the same feeling I had with Eric,” Franco said. “But I can honestly say that she surpassed Eric.”
After experiencing the kindness of others, Franco wanted to find ways to give back to the community that had supported him. The park next to Renaissance Box, Wacouta Commons Park, had once been a place many people avoided. It faced challenges with litter, safety concerns, and neglect. When Franco was asked if he would be interested in helping care for the park, he immediately said yes.
“If I can do something that makes their lives better, I want to do it.”
With countless hours of dedication, Franco helped transform the park into a place the neighborhood could enjoy again. Alongside his dog, Beaux, who became known by neighbors as a local “park hero,” Franco spent time picking up litter, maintaining the space, and helping create a safer environment for the community. His commitment did not go unnoticed. Franco was recognized by the Saint Paul Parks Conservancy for his volunteer efforts and his dedication to caring for Wacouta Commons Park.
For Franco, giving back is about more than improving a physical space. It is about creating a community where people feel welcome.
More recently, Franco faced another life-changing moment. After being diagnosed with cancer, doctors told him he had six months to live. Today, Franco is in complete remission. His doctors could not fully explain his recovery. From a six-month diagnosis to suddenly completely cancer-free, Franco believes there was something greater at work.
“I credit God for saving my life.”
The experience changed how Franco sees the world.
“I don’t see anything now as a possession anymore,” he said. “I live in the moment. The past is the past. What’s important are the people. Life is important.”
For Franco, a home is not defined only by walls or a roof. It is defined by the people who make you feel like you belong. After everything he has experienced, Franco says he has found that home at Renaissance Box.
“I’m really happy now. Aeon makes me feel needed.”
