BEFOREStephen was a drug user and his life was going nowhere. When his mother died he really hit bottom and lost his car, his apartment and found himself homeless on the beach. In desperation he cried out to God and cried himself to sleep. That evening he was roused awake and had a flashlight shown in eyes – he thought it was the police kicking him off beach - but it was a guy offering him a pillow. Stephen asked if he was sent by God. The Good Samaritan showed him his tattoo of “JC.” From that day, Stephen began working on his issues - alcohol, drugs, smoking, greed, lust, anger – and became involved with a church that referred him to BPHI.

AFTERHe met with the Homeless Outreach Team and was referred to the Central Homeless Assistance Center (CENTER). While at the Center he took advantage of many of the on-site programs including regular sessions with the psychiatrist, Life Skills classes, bible studies, the Workforce Development Center’s job fairs and computer classes in the Center’s computer lab. And the most dramatic change occurred the day he visited BPHI’s  dental clinic where he had all his front teeth replaced. Shortly after that Stephen went on a job interview and secured a job as a driver with Delaware North DNC. With the help of Volunteers of America, Stephen found affordable housing that he shares with a roommate. Stephen is very grateful to God and BPHI for helping him get back on his feet and for having a “smile that works.”