If you’ve never experienced homelessness, abuse, or addiction or walked closely alongside someone facing those challenges, chances are you're never sure what to say to someone panhandling on a street corner or battling an addiction. Will an encouraging word come across as trite and dismissive or could it possibly be the dose of hope that person needs to take his or her next best step in life?
As part of our Fall Campaign, we asked current and former UGM residents to tell us what they would tell themselves if they could go back in time - what would have encouraged them when they were in the depths of their hardest battles?
“Don’t give up on yourself.”
- Bennie, recovered alcoholic
Autumn, formerly homeless addict: “Your quality of life doesn’t have to be this bad. You have to drag yourself out of the hole and grab on to Jesus.”
Jorian, former addict: “I know it feels like nothing’s worth it. But there’s a better life full of joy and hope and peace.”
Jennifer, formerly homeless addict: “Addiction takes everything, but you can reclaim your life with the help of God and UGM. You can be the next success story.”
“It’s not too late and you aren’t in too deep.
God has a plan for you.”
- Allison, former addict
Tristan, formerly homeless addict: “Don’t give up. Keep moving forward. There’s always someone who’s going to be there to help you.”
Patricia, former addict: “You’re worthy, worth the fight.”
Steve, recovered alcoholic: “You are not a mistake,” and “There is a place where people listen.”
“You can be someone your kids are proud of.”
- Jo, former addict
Joseph, recovered alcoholic: “You feel like this is weakness, but asking for help is strength. You can start living again.”
Christina, former addict: “Just reach out your hand. Someone will be there to take it.”
These are some the messages we're putting up on billboards, TV, and radio ads all across the Inland Northwest this fall. We're getting the word out to anyone who's struggling today: your future is worth fighting for, and even if you give up on yourself, we're not giving up on you. At UGM, there are people with skills and experience, ready to help you walk the pathway out of homelessness.
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