Justin stopped by Matt Talbot last month to say “thank you” and drop off some warm winter gear – his way of paying it forward.
Years ago Justin was one of the dining room guests in need of warm winter gear. He experienced homelessness for over two years, coming to Matt Talbot to get out of the weather, eat hot meals, take showers, receive mail, and get blankets, hand warmers, and other items needed to survive in the cold.
“I smelled terrible, was angry, and didn’t trust anyone. The people at Matt Talbot were concerned about me, but I didn’t feel judged.”
Justin was using substances to numb his physical and emotional pain and spending time with a few dangerous people in the process.
“It was hard to be outside and not use. But when I came to Matt Talbot and told you I was scared, you helped.”
Justin completed substance use treatment and worked with staff to find housing in a town outside of Lincoln where his friends weren’t around to pull him back down. It was the fresh start he needed.
“After a few days, it dawned on me that I felt safe. My heart broke and I cried because I couldn’t remember the last time I felt like that.”
In his new home, he had great support from Lisa at South Central Behavioral Services at Cristi with EagleFeather Counseling.
It took a long time and it wasn’t easy. But all these years later, Justin is doing well and grateful for the help he received.
“I couldn’t have made it without Matt Talbot – I’d be dead. I’m sure it is hard to know if anything is helping and it feels futile, but it's not. You are saving lives.”
Happy New Year, friends. Let’s keep going.
