Winter 2009
Cory
I’m a 25 year old female, who has been addicted to pain pills and heroin for almost 11 years. I tried to make a change in my life by leaving my home and all my belongings. I dropped everything and moved to Colorado in September 2005 with only the things I could carry on my back. When I arrived here, I didn’t know anyone so I ended up being homeless and I stayed that way until May 2007. For nearly two years I lived on the street trying to get my drugs, food, and somewhere warm to sleep on a daily basis.
Two or three months after I got here I was introduced to Joy and the Carriage House. Joy was the only person who had the faith in me and she tried very hard to do whatever I needed. She told me about the Methadone Program in Boulder and I went in and put my name on a waiting list (it was about a two month wait at the time). In April of 2007, a woman I met on the street offered me a place to stay if I helped her out; she was going blind and disabled. I accepted the offer, and while I was staying there a man introduced himself to me and later offered me some odd jobs on the side.
By May, I was working full-time. Two weeks into May, the Methadone Clinic called and said there was an opening in June. I started the program June 7th, 2007. In December of 2007, I found I was pregnant with my little girl, so my life was now changing permanently. I had been clean for a couple months and now I had more of a reason than ever to keep on my path to recovery. On July 27th2008 my healthy, beautiful little daughter was born. I no longer want to live like I have in the past. I am a stay-at-home mom now and my boyfriend (my daughter’s father) works full-time to support us. I’m now working my way off the Methadone Program and trying to go back to school. I want to be a drug and alcohol counselor. I think I could make a difference in someone’s life.
Thanks to Joy and the Carriage House, I’m now a good member of society and proud of where I have come. It was a rough road, but extremely worth every moment of it.
Winter 2007
Ray J.
I came to Colorado from Oklahoma. I was on the streets looking for a job and somewhere to sleep.
While I was looking for work, I met some people from the Carriage House that gave me information about places to eat and sleep. They showed me how to work on the computer and that led to me finding work and a place to stay.
Without the help from the people at the Carriage House and from the churches that make dinner for homeless people, this would not have happened for me. I give thanks to Mike, Joy and Mary Katherine. [Ray starts his job as a hotel manager 3/1/07.]
Mark S.
Carriage House helped me stay on a path of success when I had no other resources to turn to. I have been able to keep working since in Colorado because of their staff’s encouragement and help with bus fare, which I could barely afford after paying my bills. Consequently I was able to keep my hous-ing, find a better job, and keep paying my bills.
The Carriage House also helped supportive, effective and affordable counseling for a re-cent loss and grief. I’d like who is considering helping the Carriage House to know how they have helped me.
Fall 2006
Tony C.
Hi, my name is Tony C. I am a Colorado native. I recently came to Boulder, CO and have been homeless for some time now. I heard of a place “where the heart is” called the Carriage House. I have been coming here since I came to Boulder. They have helped me with a lot of support and services for finding a job, getting on the bus, etc. The staff at the Carriage House have been very supportive and helpful with the things you need to get back on your feet. I personally would like to recommend people that need help to go to the Carriage House for help and support to help them accomplish things in their life. I would like to thank the Carriage House for their support and help in getting me where I am now. [Tony began his new job last week.] God bless the Carriage House and thanks a lot to all the staff.
—Text of thank you note received 10/15/06
Spring 2006
Andrew S.
My name is Andrew S. I came to Boulder three years ago and had no-one or nothing. But I heard about the Carriage House, a warm place to get a meal and help with how to get a job.
The biggest thing that the Carriage House has done for me is to help me get off drugs. I came to the Recovery Group and it helped me to stop using. After I got off drugs, I was able to get housing.
The Carriage House is like a big family and just a great all around place.
With no place to go and no money, I found the Carriage House would help me when I was down. They offer a free hot lunch and community that cares about the homeless. It is not about black and white, money or no money at the Carriage House.
I thank God for Joy and Wonshe’ and all the other staff at Carriage House for all they have done and are continuing to do in Boulder.
Denny P.
Last September 26th, I thought the bottom had dropped out of my life. I was in a car accident, spent 9 days in the hospital, had all my personal possessions impounded and had $5800 stolen from my hotel room.
I had $8, and the clothes on my back and ended up at the Boulder Shelter. On my 2nd day I was introduced to the Carriage House, where I found warm food, people I could talk to, and some peace of mind.
Within a week they had provided me a P.O. Box, voice mail, an updated resume’, and most importantly, what felt like a home base. With the resume’ and some new clothes, I found employment and some self-esteem within two weeks.
I’m sure there are more stories like mine and I will be eternally grateful.
