Joseph spent years homeless on the streets, dealing with violence, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts while staying sober for three years. McCreese Place gave him a safe bedroom and medical care, letting him finally rest and recover. The program reports a 98% success rate at preventing homelessness.
McCreese Place is home to me. I couldn't take care of myself on the street like I take care of myself here. And I deal with PTSD. Noises and stuff like that just are not good for me. No, I don't have to have my guard up here. I've been spit on, I've been kicked, I've been robbed, I've had my clothes stolen from me. I used to sleep in front of where there were security guards. I knew I could lay my head down, you know, and actually get sleep because when you're homeless, you don't— you're laying down but you're not sleeping, you know, you're not actually sleeping. It's been a pretty long road to deal with everything and finally I know a lot of people that didn't make it to this point.
We have programs that help them deal with maybe any substance abuse problems they might have and just how to hone in on any issues that are causing homelessness. We continue to have a 98% success rate because of our programs.
I've been clean off of drugs for 3 years. I've been homeless for 2 years, going on 3 years in July. I've been suicidal. I deal with depression. I deal with anxiety.
Oh man, he just smiles. He's constantly smiling. He's so appreciative of not having to sleep on the ground to sleeping in a bed now. Not having to worry about getting to his doctor's appointments.
This is a place for people to come. This is a place for people to be cared about.
Where you gonna find an aide like that out there on the street? You're not going to do it.
I just enjoy it every day when I wake up.
Like I said, when I lay my head down, it's just— especially when it's raining, especially in these cold nights fixing to come up, it's great. You know, you're just glad to be in here. You know, my fridge is here, the stove is here, and yeah, I'm just happy right now. I couldn't be no happier, I'm telling you.
