On February 17th 2012 I made a phone call that would lead to great things for me.
I will start with a little history. I am a recovering opiate addict. On September 28th 2011 I went into an inpatient treatment facility. I spent 120 days there. I graduated the program on January 24th 2012.
When I came home I stayed with my twin sister. We started having arguments because my family was left in my addiction. I had to remember that I got help and they were left right where I left them before I got help.
So on valentine’s day 2012 my sister told me that it just wasn’t working out. For 2 days I was in a panic. I called the homeless shelter on the morning of February 17 and I spoke with Gaye. I told her my situation and she told me to come in and see her. I was starting a job Monday the 27th.
I would be lying if I say I wasn’t nervous. Never having to deal with being homeless, I only had my pre-conceived notions on what it might be like.
I went and met Gaye and I told her about my 9 year old daughter who is my life. Gaye showed me around the shelter and told me the rules. Everything seemed to be run very well. I also met with Christy that completed my paperwork. They both made me feel very welcome.
As I was moving the few things that I had brought into my room, Gaye called me into the office and handed me a key to an apartment. She told me to go and have a look and see what I thought and if I qualified I would be on their Transitional Housing Program.
At that moment I felt so extremely blessed. I don’t know how I could ever put into words how great Gaye and Christy made me feel. I spent the next five days at the Shelter. I honestly felt at home and it wasn’t because I brought things of my own in, it was because the ladies made me feel welcome.
On February 24th I moved into my new apartment. After the last six months I had, I didn’t care where I lived as long as I could it home.
Now, fast forward to February 2013… I am a college student and I have a job, and my relationship with my beautiful daughter couldn’t be better. Last but certainly not least I have over a year of sobriety.
It’s all because Gaye and Christy gave me a chance and a roof over my head. I can say without a doubt I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the Shelter and Transitional Housing and the great people running it.