Reggie M. — “Pine Street Inn Means ‘Sanctuary’”

Married at a young age, Reggie’s life changed when he and his wife divorced. He began using substances as a way to cope with the loss — eventually becoming homeless.

“The divorce was hard on me,” Reggie says. “We were together for several years, but we drifted apart until the marriage ended.”

“I had been working for in food services, but I lost my job as my substance use got worse,” Reggie says. “Then I lost my apartment and ended up couch hopping. I picked up work at a temp agency, but I was struggling. People say, ‘that will never happen to me’ — there I was.”

The temp agency staff recommended Pine Street Inn to Reggie to help him get back on his feet. “I knew that Pine Street was more than a shelter,” he says. “I learned that Pine Street had job training programs in food services and that they offered job placement services. That meant something to me with my background working in restaurants.”

Reggie began staying at Pine Street’s Men’s Inn where he met his case manager. “He was the one who really pushed me to do the leg work around housing,” says Reggie. “My case manager laid the process out so that everything fell into place.”

Eventually, Reggie secured housing at one of Pine Street’s residences. With support from the on-site staff, he also began his journey to recovery. Eight years later, Reggie continues to enjoy his apartment.

“To me, Pine Street Inn means ‘sanctuary,’” concludes Reggie. “Pine Street was a safety net that caught me. No one should have to experience homelessness. People have to learn to ask for help when needed.”