My situation was bleak, I got backed up on my rent. My ex-wife and I divorced because of my drug problems. I was in shelters for a long time, at least two years. I was in a shelter drug rehab program and got a job, things were getting better, but I needed a permanent place to stay. Their housing staff helped me find a place at Jericho.

I’ve been here for three years now, and I’m completely sober. They have programs that help you get work. They helped me increase my income, though I’m still just barely able to make the rent. [The Family Reunification program] helped me get back in touch with my daughter. She’s 18, she knows my situation— we talk every other day now. She recently graduated high school. She’s going to start college in January.

Right now, I’m working in customer service. My goals are to see my daughter attend college and save money to help her with her books. She mentioned she wants to get a laptop, so I want to help her along. Personally, I try to stay on the go, keep moving. Whatever type of assistance I need, the staff here help me out. I can always talk to the counselors, confide in them. If I have a problem, they try to find a solution.

When I first got here, a counselor said, “You look lonely.” I started a relationship, and it inspires me to do more. The people here are solid. They always have options—some type of hope.