The story of “Jacob” is a remarkable journey that begins at the lowest low. “I was existing primarily in my car, on my mother’s couch or dependent on the kindness of friends. I was an IV user, hopelessly addicted to methamphetamines,” he begins. “I was as low as I had ever been. I was lost, broken and had no hope for the future.” When Jacob got the chance to move into a HOSWWA-assisted housing complex, he leapt at the chance.
Jacob admits the transition was not easy. He’d never had his own place before, and he struggled to adapt to apartment living. But eventually, he began opening up to his neighbors. Many of them were on their own paths to recovery. “I was still struggling with my own addiction and poor mental health. Then, some of my neighbors started getting clean and sober. They started living a better life.”
In what he considers his lowest moment, Jacob nearly died from an overdose. “That is when I realized that I didn't want to die. But I had no idea how to really live. So I turned to the neighbors that were living better lives and let go of my pride long enough to ask for help. That is when my life started to become what it is now.” He enrolled in a 12-step recovery program and began attending church. “I learned how to care about people again and that it's ok to let other people care about me. I found my want to help others re-ignited.”
Today, the transformation is incredible. “I have over a year clean and sober. I am a respected and valued member of the ministry at [church]. I attend Faith Christian College with a 4.0 grade average and just received my certificate of undergraduate studies. I co-lead worship services at church twice a week and help others overcome addiction and live in the fullness of God's purpose for their life. What else can I say, other than, life is good.”
With his newfound purpose and inspiration, Jacob takes a moment to reflect on his housing experience, made possible with Project-Based Voucher assistance: “I believe God used [HOSWWA] to bless me with a place to get started. A place to start moving forward towards the life I now live. A place that God could use to bring others into my bleak existence and speak life into me. A place where I could learn to love and be loved again. A place to call home.”