Shean W and Tykeim V are currently in the Motivation and Engagement Track (MET I) of the Healing Transitions’ Long Term Recovery Program. Just days before they moved into the new shelter, both were considering leaving. What kept them there? The new shelter.
Shean says the new space offers much more room to move around, and having a bed instead of a mat on the floor makes a significant difference.
“It’s easier to fall asleep. I wake up well-rested now, and I feel more at peace.”
When both men were on the verge of leaving, Russell Wooley, the Shelter Team Lead, offered this advice:
“He said, ‘Pause, pray, proceed. Don’t react. When you don’t know where to go or what to do, that’s when you just don’t do anything.’”
Russel’s words helped them find stillness and let the moments pass without rushing into a decision. 
Shean admits that he’s not yet fully certain about staying, but he’s very close, and Healing Transitions has given him a fresh outlook on life.
“When I see guys come back and share their stories, I think, ‘Okay, those guys crossed the pond.’”
Tykeim has only been at Healing Transitions for two weeks. When he first arrived, he was sleeping in the Joe McQ room due to overflow.
He says moving into the new shelter gave him hope that he could make it through another day.
“It felt like I could finally start my program. Like I could breathe. I don’t have to worry about whether I’ll get a mat or sleep in a pod with 10 other guys.”
Shean adds that now, at the end of each day, he has the space and time to shower, relax, read a novel, and attend a 7 o’clock class.
“It’s comfortable when you come in.”
Tykeim recalls a powerful moment he experienced in the new shelter. One morning, feeling tired, he struggled with his energy and thoughts.
“I woke up feeling just tired—so sick of being here. I didn’t know what to do. But then, I had to run back to grab my Narcan. As soon as I got off the bus, I saw someone who had overdosed right in front of me.”
He reflects on how the new shelter played a key role in his ability to act.
“If it wasn’t for the new shelter—how spacious it is and how it motivates me—I truly believe someone would’ve lost their life.”