I’m one year sober today and Lincoln is the biggest reason why

Coming to Lincoln changed my life and I want to tell someone why.

Not that long ago I was unhoused for the last time. I have severe mental issues and got deep into addiction and life hasn’t always been kind. It was so cold that first day being back at the mission but I was grateful I wasn’t on the street. I got some food and headed out to try and find any job that would hire me. I decided to take responsibility for my life, not be a victim anymore, and embrace being happy. I failed often at all these things but I tried anyway.

I kept trying and eventually got a small room and I worked my way up to the first apartment I ever had. The key was going to work and not picking up a bottle.

As I think back on this last year I’m so grateful. I can’t adequately convey that in a thousand words.

Lincoln. I never went hungry here, I got mental health help for free even when I got a job. I got substance abuse treatment. But it was the people who impacted me the most. Almost every person I met here was so kind. When I’d overdose the cops would find me. They would say they understood hard times and they’d give me a card and say to call if I ever needed to talk. The recovery people here who bought me food, when I didn’t ask, and gave me rides. The cashiers at the dollar stores when they saw I had to put something back. They reached into their pocket and covered it.

Even when I slept on the street here I was only unhoused. After a lifetime of abuse and heartache I was finally home. I don’t ever want to leave. One year sober is great but what’s even better is I belong somewhere now.