John Moves out of SafeHarbor Shelter and into a Home of His Own
John has struggled with substance abuse for many years. Drugs have cost him his family and home. John has been separated from his wife - and mother of their six-year-old daughter - for three years now; a separation prompted by his drug use.

John was referred to Samaritan House for shelter services through Project 90, a local drug and alcohol rehabilitation program . With the help of Project 90 and regular Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, John has been sober for nearly 2 years. When John came to Samaritan House’s Safe Harbor Shelter he met Abel, a Case Manager who helped him put away money to reach his goal of obtaining an apartment.

“The opportunity came up to get an apartment and Abel advocated for me,” says John. Abel called the apartment manager and assured him John would be a suitable tenant. Samaritan House also helped with the security deposit.

“Since my wife and I separated, I haven’t had a home of my own,” says John. “It’s mine and that means a lot to me. I might even be able to bring my daughter here for Christmas.” John hopes that having an apartment will mean that he can spend more time with his daughter, Meagan. “There have been times that I’ve wanted to give up but I just told myself that I can’t give up because of that little girl,” says John.

John’s road to self-reliance has not been easy but he is constantly improving himself. “I want to be there for that little girl,” he says. In fact, all aspects of his life have been improving. He has been working as a machinist for 13 months and enjoys his job. In the short time he has been working there he has already received a raise. “There have been a lot of positive changes in my life since I came to Samaritan House,” says John. “It’s a safe place for a last chance. You have a place to eat, shower, shave and you have people to talk to. It takes a lot to get someone back on their feet but when you want to help yourself others want to help you too.”

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