By 1989, Dave had run out of work, money and places to stay. He headed for Open Door Mission to stay for a few nights. But by the spring of 1990, he realized the Mission could help him relearn the basics of a healthy lifestyle.

“I have no idea where I could have gone when I was at the bottom if not for Open Door Mission,” he says today.

Dave quickly learned that sobriety and hard work paid off! “I was free of depression, hangovers … I was healthier.” Staying sober while on the programs was easy — the structure, regular encouragement and busy routine made him feel good. “Doing work I perceived as valuable and knowing what I did mattered — those things helped keep my life in control.”

After graduating from the programs , Dave became a resident staff worker. “I worked in the kitchen, in security, in the warehouse, wherever they needed me,” he says. In 2003, he moved into his own place and commuted to the Mission for his midnight to 8 a.m. shift in security.

Within months of living independently, Dave’s once-structured world began to crack. “Commuting was a problem. And the cost of maintenance on my vehicle. Pretty soon I got tired and chucked it all, started drinking and got evicted,” he says.

It didn’t take long for Dave to return to the Mission. After graduating from our Journey to Work programs in October, he now drives a shuttle downtown each day to pick up homeless people who need shelter.

“I’m moving into my own place soon,” Dave says. “But I know the value of staying sober. My life has purpose again. It’s rewarding to know I’m contributing to folks who may have the same problems I have.”

“I’m grateful to the donors because we couldn’t operate without them. The Mission wouldn’t have been there for me without the people, businesses, churches and all who’ve lent their support. I just want to say we are here and we need your help.”

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