By Dan Mackaman for Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission

A life-threatening drug addiction was the last thing Paul ever thought he’d have to battle.

“I was doing great,” he says. “I had a good life. But somebody I loved died suddenly. I had a lot of trouble coping with that, and that’s when I started using. I pretty much lost everything I had because I was spending all my money on drugs.”

Then one night, Paul nearly died.

“Someone shot at me. I called my sister in Florida and she freaked out. She went online and found the Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and told me they had a bed open in their recovery program.”

At the same time, Paul had another, even bigger, motivation to get sober — his new son, Joaquin. “I didn’t want Joaquin to go through the same things I did growing up.”

The Mission’s Recovery Program helped Paul start a new life

Paul entered the Men’s Recovery Program at the Mission and right away, he began experiencing what thousands of other individuals found last year – the love and 360-degree support that helps a person rise above addiction.

“Everybody there has your back,” Paul says. “Even the guys going through the program are there for you.”

Scott Cleveland, Director of the Men’s Recovery Program, nods in agreement. More than 19 years sober from his own addiction, he says, “One thing that makes our program unique is we can keep people here for a year. That’s a strategy that works for people who haven’t done well in other shorter treatment programs.”

He adds, “The other thing that makes lasting transformation possible is we’re Christ-focused. We just believe that Jesus makes a difference in people’s lives.”

Recalling his own experience, Paul says, “The Mission helped me grow in my faith. I always believed in God, but I never really had a relationship with Jesus. That was a big thing for me, and it gives me the foundation to keep making the right choices.”

Today, Paul has been drug-free for more than six years and holds down a good job as a construction worker. Joaquin lives with him, and is a happy, energetic five year old.

“He’s got a really good personality. I would have to say that he has my personality,” Paul says, smiling.

Give the gift of a new beginning

Every $32.65 you donate today will enable someone in desperate need to receive a day of the same kind of extensive, 360-degree support and recovery services that changed Paul’s life. That includes meals, shelter, hygiene, clothing, staff support, and classes — everything the Mission provides through their recovery programs for men and women.

There are so many others who need a chance to experience the freedom Paul and Joaquin are living today. Please give generously.

Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission serves Seattle’s homeless population by addressing short-term physical needs and providing long-term solutions that break the cycle of addiction, mental illness, and poverty. We share God’s love by serving those in greatest need.

Learn more at ugm.org.