A healing place: John's Story

“I wish for other people’s sake there were more places around the world like Friendship House.” 

Friendship House is a healing place.

That is our theme this holiday season, and it is incredible how truly it represents our community. Friendship House is full of compassion, joy, and acceptance. Our staff, residents and volunteers are committed to treating one another with love and respect. It is in this safe space that the healing happens.

John’s story is all about healing. He has grieved the loss of loved ones and struggled with alcoholism, but today, he is filled with hope. Here’s his story:

John believes Friendship House saved his life.

Over the past three years, everyone close to him passed away, including his mother, grandma, aunt, uncle, and brother. Tragically, his dad committed suicide when John was young. In shock and alone, John self-medicated with alcohol and found himself living in the woods and behind alley-way dumpsters.

He visited various treatment centers to deal with his alcoholism, but said the other clients were so rowdy and rough that he only drank more.

When he heard about Friendship House, he knew it was where he needed to be. The warm, inviting atmosphere of the men’s house provided the safe space he needed to heal. He has been sober since arriving, and has no urge to drink.

“My life is so much better,” John says. “Everyone at Friendship House is so friendly. I know I can recover because of all these people.”

Today, John is working hard with our Men’s House Manager, Kristie Kaaland, to find housing and employment. "John is doing Friendship House right," Kristie says. "He is utilizing all the services available to him and is on the right track towards reaching self-sufficiency."

John's positive attitude of gratitude is a wonderful example to all our residents.

Friendship House provides shelter, housing, and basic necessities to thousands of people every year. We rely on the community's generous support to help our residents get back on their feet.