How an Alcoholic Veteran Got His Life “Back on Track”
A year ago, City of Refuge officially opened The 345, a housing program for men at high risk of homelessness. These are the stories of some of its residents.
Travis had hit rock bottom.
Up until that moment, his life had been a whirlwind of chaos and despair. He struggled with alcoholism, having relapsed after a period of sobriety. Personal tragedies, including the loss of two sons in 2016, friends in the military, other family deaths, and the recent passing of his father, compounded his struggles.
“It became just me against the world,” he said. “I was gone. Physically I was there, but mentally I was off somewhere else.”
The grief pushed him further and further into his addiction, straining his relationships. He was sitting at a gas station when he finally called his closest friend to ask for help.
A Beacon of Hope
That call eventually landed him at The 345, City of Refuge’s men’s housing program.
“When I got here, it was unlike anything I've been through,” Travis recalled. “I've been in the military, but this...it's almost like having a home. There's enough structure to find yourself, and if you have a problem, there are tons of people you can go to.”
A Supportive Community
Living at The 345 provided Travis with much-needed stability and support. His Resident Advisors—Terrence, Bruce, Willie, and others—played a crucial role in his journey. “If you need anything, they go the extra mile to help,” Travis shared. The community spirit at The 345 helped him feel less alone and more connected to others who understood his struggles.
One of the significant turning points for Travis was participating in the NAPA Auto Technician Training program. He recently graduated, earning all the available certifications. This achievement not only boosted his confidence but also opened new career opportunities. Travis recently secured a job at Marta, thanks to the support and job placement assistance provided by City of Refuge.
A key component of Travis’s recovery has been the weekly Celebrate Recovery meetings and AA meetings. These gatherings offer a safe space for him and others to share their experiences and support each other in their sobriety journeys. The consistent routine and supportive community have been instrumental in helping Travis stay on track.
Reflecting on his experience, Travis is immensely grateful for the support he has received. “This place has helped get my life back on track…I can’t think of another organization that does this as well, even from a veteran's standpoint. A lot of the guys I live with at The 345 are veterans, and even the VA doesn't have a handle on this as well as City of Refuge.”
To the supporters and donors of City of Refuge, Travis offered this word of encouragement: “Any donation is not squandered in any way. If you look at the people that come out of City of Refuge, you will see a gain on any investment you make. There's nothing here that doesn't help people or push people forward.”
—
Help us bring more light, hope, and transformation to people like Travis. Join our monthly giving community, City Lights, and be a part of a movement of individuals who support City of Refuge on a consistent basis and receive exclusive monthly updates. To make a one-time donation, click here.