Success Stories from the Homeless Sheltor 2100 Hundred Lakeside!

Success Stories

For residents at Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s 2100 Lakeside Men’s Homeless Shelter, their challenges may seem too large to overcome. Below are stories of hope that can encourage these men.  Names are not included to protect privacy. Srories gathered by Lydia Bailey, Coordinator of Volunteers.

He was living in his car and trying to go to school and hold down a job.  But he couldn’t receive services while living in your car, so eventually he came into 2100 and got connected with services.  He worked his way through the communities of 2100 and got into independent housing in 2007.  He’s still in housing and in school.

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A person on staff at 2100 recounts: “My first husband died of heroin overdose, second of suicide; my loved ones and friends lost their lives due to addiction.  I was addicted to heroin, methadone, alcohol, and valium for 28 years and homeless from 1984-7.  During those years they didn’t have all these programs (employment, housing) for those who were homeless; they’d just move you on to the next shelter.”

 

“But I’ve been sober since May 1995, except for cigarettes. I had good sponsors and co-sponsors. Then Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) paid for me to go to Vocational Guidance Shelter & Service (VGS).  I worked at the Cleveland Sight Center between classes, and got computer skills. I got a driver’s license and an old car.  In 2002 I was married, bought a house, and a brand new car.  I received my Chemical Dependency Counselor License in December, 2002.”

Here at the shelter, this staff person is giving daily support for those taking their steps.  Her strong, clear mind and spirit speaks volumes.

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He had been working, saving money and had a family, but suddenly it fell apart because of his heroin addiction.  While he was at 2100, a coordinator asked him what he wanted to do with his life.  “I want to kick this,” he said.

“If you really want to kick this,” said the coordinator, “you can stay right here in the dorm.  Stay in your bed, come out and eat--if you can.  I’ll be checking on you.”

“After the first night,” said the coordinator, “he got his buddy, who was also on heroin, to stay in the dorm.  They both kicked the addiction after 3 or 4 days.” 

Both men are now in Ohio City; one is renting-to-own a house, the other owns a home.  They are both back with their families, they’re working and they haven’t been back to 2100.