“I cried when I saw my room for the first time. It didn’t feel or look like your typical shelter. I felt safe and at home.”

I came to House of Cherith broken, defeated, and addicted to drugs. I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. I came because I was homeless and running from a very abusive relationship.

When I showed up I was only looking for shelter. But I received so much more through their wrap-around services and resources. During my stay, I received free healthcare and dental care. I was also able to receive counseling, classes, and an opportunity to rest and heal.

My experience felt too good to be true. The rooms were decorated so beautifully and I didn’t have to share my room with anyone. I cried when I saw my room for the first time. It didn’t feel or look like your typical shelter. I felt safe and at home.

I stayed there a year and eight months and I accomplished goals and significant milestones. Some of my fondest memories are going to the retreat house to swim and unwind. The most memorable milestone was the trip we took to Wind River Ranch in Colorado. That was my first time boarding a plane and the first time I rode a horse.

While at House of Cherith, I participated and completed the 16-week culinary class, attained a fork lifting license, and became gainfully employed. The staff there advocated for me and helped me get a lawyer through the Georgia Justice project who is actively helping me to clear my name and expunge my record.

Since I graduated from House of Cherith, I stayed connected by receiving aftercare. I was chosen to receive the PEX grant that helped me tremendously with bills and the cost of living. I am now 2 years clean and sober. I also got close to God because it is a Christian-based program. I am happier and healthier than I’ve been in a long time.

The cherry on top is I was called back to the City of Refuge 4 months after departure and was gifted a car through the vehicle program! Reliable transportation has enriched my life in many different ways from access to family, self-reliance, and access to better employment. I am still reaping the benefits of being an HOC graduate.

The advice I would give to any current and future residents would be to take full advantage of the many available resources. Take the classes seriously and focus on yourself. Open your heart and mind, take suggestions, and actively participate in your recovery, instead of complaining learn how to properly advocate for yourself.

-Y | House of Cherith Resident