There really isn’t any particular reason Joseph became homeless.
He grew up here in Evansville, raised by a single mom because his dad “wasn’t around.” He didn’t graduate high school because he just couldn’t “get up in front of the class and make a speech” that was required for graduation.
Joseph is a hard worker who’s had “lots of jobs” – working at a fast food restaurant and then, a grocery store, but he gets upset when others don’t work as hard as he does. He’s been drinking since he was 19, and has “tried to quit.” Individually, Joseph could have overcome these problems. But taken all together, they became a hurdle he just wasn’t able to rise above. For a time, Joseph lived with his grandma, taking care of her.
But when she went to a nursing home and he moved in with a great aunt, things just didn’t work out.
Before he came to the Mission for the first time back in 2008, Joseph slept on the street “a few times.”
He even joined our recovery program and eventually, saved up enough money to go back out on his own.
But history just kept repeating itself. Joseph did manage to geta part-time job with a roofing company, so he began learning a skill. But drinking was still a problem.
When Joseph returned to the Mission this time, he entered our P.A.C.E.S. program, a highly structured, year-long program that provides the discipline and accountability he needs to keep him from returning to the streets.
Through daily and weekly study groups, residents complete courses designed to give them the life skills necessary to live on their own: money management, job and communication skills, and help searching for permanent housing. There’s also Bible study here at the Mission or at a local church.
Joseph is very appreciative of the help he’s received, thankful to those who support the Mission and grateful that God has changed his life!
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