The Power of a Second Chance
Kim first became homeless when she was 13 years old.
Unable to stay in her toxic home environment any longer, she ran away and never went back. As a young girl living on the streets, she turned to substances and petty crime to survive. Kim landed in jail a few times and when she was released, would fall back into the same destructive pattern and saw no way out. It was an endless cycle of despair and years of chronic homelessness that all began as a teenage girl escaping from her abusive home and trauma.
In 2018, Kim was offered the opportunity to go to Drug Court, an 18-month county program with strict accountability measures and zero tolerance for substance use. If she could graduate from the program, she would not only avoid jail, but also could kick her addiction for good. She committed herself to Drug Court, but still needed to find a way out of homelessness. That’s when Kim found WISEPlace.
“When I walked into WISEPlace, it felt like home. I didn’t have to worry about where I was going to sleep that night, take a shower, or find food. It was the first time I believed that my life might actually be changing for the better. I felt safe for the first time in a long time.” – Kim
Kim found a job that would work around her Drug Court obligations. She saved money and embraced the wide range of services offered through The WISEPlace Way, our solutions-based program to help women get back on their feet with support. Structure and accountability kept Kim focused on her goals. Six months later, she moved into an apartment with her husband, who was also working toward sobriety and a new beginning.
However, life does not always go as planned. After she left WISEPlace, Kim relapsed and was sanctioned at Drug Court – and she is not alone. Substance abuse has risen significantly in the U.S. since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The added stress and social isolation is especially challenging for those working to recover from their addiction, placing them at an increased risk for relapse.
Kim went through a sober living program and found a new job, but had nowhere to live and was homeless again and unsafe on the streets. Ten months after leaving, Kim asked if she could return to WISEPlace. She was working, but needed a helping hand to get her life back on track and not have to live on the streets.
At WISEPlace, we believe in the power of second chances. Setbacks are part of life – having the strength to bounce back is one of the biggest indicators of future success. Kim’s determination to pick herself back up and continue to work toward her goals show her resilience and commitment to moving forward in our judgement free environment.
“I was even more thankful coming to WISEPlace the second time because it was about forgiveness and second chances.” – Kim
Kim worked hard, saved money, and even bought a car – all during the COVID-19 pandemic! When she was ready to leave WISEPlace in May 2020 we helped with her move-in deposit and first month’s rent. Kim has since graduated from Drug Court, continues to work full-time as an essential worker, and has moved with her husband into a shared home where they pay rent and support each other in their sobriety and goals for the future.
“WISEPlace helped me twice to overcome my challenges. Today, I’m clean and sober, have a job, and a great place to live. None of this would have been possible without the support of WISEPlace. You saved my life and I am so grateful.” – Kim
How can you help?
When you support WISEPlace, you provide safe shelter solutions and empowering wrap-around services to unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness. Donate now to provide a caring community for those who call WISEPlace home.
WISEPlace is a platinum-level GuideStar participant, demonstrating its commitment to transparency.