Dear Recovery Village,

The struggles and perseverance of 2020 have been acutely felt by the population we serve: homeless, uninsured, and underserved individuals with addiction. The stressors of COVID-19, economic hardship, and racial injustice exerted tremendous pressure upon individuals, families, communities, and the nation. At Healing Transitions, we have been challenged to navigate the difficulties by developing new skills, innovations, and partnerships, and we are drawing upon these experiences to build a better today and tomorrow. As I reflect on the depth of loss experienced by many in 2020, I am uplifted by the resilience, unity, and compassion demonstrated by the Healing Transitions community in four specific areas.

Our Recovery Village: We had incredible support from our Recovery Village in responding to changing needs in 2020. WakeMed, the Wake County Emergency Operations Center, Alliance Health, and the Department of Health and Human Services provided essential guidance, education, and resources that enabled us to safely continue serving amidst new pandemic restrictions. Board members, volunteers, community partners, and businesses recharged our staff and participants by showing up – with food and water, sanitizers and masks, cards and letters, and more. Donors continued to provide vital financial support as our costs increased, keeping our lights on and our doors open. From reverse parades to campus wide food donations, the support of our village never wavered.

Our Staff: Providing services around the clock, our staff has worked tirelessly to navigate the pandemic so we can continue serving those in need. Their dedication and innovation helped fine-tune strategies that allowed us to avoid any outbreaks of COVID-19. Staff members have showed great courage by caring for those coming off the street during a time of great uncertainty, stress, and fear. They have showed resiliency working under the stressors of the pandemic and amid an increased loss of life among former participants. Our staff also responded to the most recent wounds of racial injustice by listening, sharing, learning, and reinforcing a commitment to creating an organization that strives to ensure that anyone crossing our threshold finds the welcome, support, resources, and competence to successfully initiate recovery, sustain recovery, and pursue one’s hopes and dreams.

Our Participants: Most importantly, participants worked to maintain their recovery despite the challenges of campus-wide safety restrictions, including no in-person recovery meetings or visits with family, alumni, and community members. They continued to fulfill their responsibilities and the new jobs asked of them, such as security and sanitizing, even though it placed them at heighten risk of exposure. Without their efforts, we would have been unable to keep Healing Transitions safely open. They found creative ways to express gratitude to staff and implemented fun activities to cope with the constraints of staying on campus.

Our Capital Campaign: Healing Transitions’ positive outlook towards the future was bolstered by the early success of our Recovery Can’t Wait capital campaign. Despite the uncertainties brought by the pandemic, in 2020 we raised more than $8 million towards our $16.75 million goal to add 200 beds between our men’s and women’s campuses and create the infrastructure to support 500 total beds. This campaign will help more people find recovery, and you will learn more about how you can be a part of it in this coming year.

As we wrap up the year 2020 with this annual report, we look to a future where more people can experience the joy of recovery, together and with resilience. With deep gratitude and appreciation, thank you for being a part of our Recovery Village.

One day at a time,

Chris Budnick

Executive Director