“One day someone I helped called me just to tell me he loved me. When I can use my story to help someone else, I’ve had a successful day. I’ve done my purpose.”
– David
David’s background does not reflect what many people would think of when they see a homeless person. David grew up in a “good” upper-middle-income household, went to college, and had a respectable job. Though he used marijuana on occasion, he was not considered a substance abuser. David admits that he had above-average alcohol consumption. Becoming addicted to opioids after a nearly fatal car accident led to David’s downward spiral to substance and alcohol abuse, depression, and homelessness. Soon, David was not able to fully function and lived unsheltered or in an encampment site in a tent.
After nearly two years of experiencing homelessness, David decided to change his life. David’s turning point came one very frigid winter when the temperatures dropped to the teens. He had been sleeping at the Duke Emergency room or on buses running through the night and said, “enough is enough.”
He got connected with a partner agency which allowed him to help other people in need while getting help to become sober. That agency then connected David with Housing for New Hope when a Street Outreach position became available. David’s lived experience is a gift to our organization. He is helpful in supplying sound advice to those who are experiencing homelessness, expressing to them that there is hope.
