Finding Home in Recovery

Mike K. is a graduate of Shelter Network’s Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Subsidized Housing Program. The AOD Housing Program began in July 2008 to address the problem that too many AOD program graduates exited into homelessness.

Mike K. was homeless for nearly a decade. He had been using illegal drugs for 15 years before entering the in-patient treatment program at Free At Last. Mike had a long history of dropping out of drug treatment and being homeless. After his sixth stint in treatment, he finally maintained his sobriety and exited the program. But when he left treatment, he had no place else to go.

Mike turned to Shelter Network’s Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Subsidized Housing Program. The AOD Program provides up to nine months of housing subsidy for adults exiting treatment programs, so that they can stay out of homelessness and committed to recovery.

In July 2009, with the help of his case manager Monica, Mike moved into his own apartment. It was the first time he’d had a home of his own for almost ten years. “I couldn’t have the success I do without the AOD Program and the support and case management I received from Monica,” said Mike. He also learned to budget and manage his finances –skills he will use for the rest of his life.

With the help of Shelter Network, Mike was able to re-establish a relationship with his children. He pays his bills on time and remains clean and sober. When asked what he would like people to know about Shelter Network’s AOD Program he replied, “THANK YOU for helping me get my life back! It would have taken a lot longer without the support of Shelter Network, the program and Monica. For those who are ready to make a change and really want it, this program is the ultimate blessing.”

Original article featured in the July 2011 issue of Wellness Matters, an e-journal of San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services.