Keith’s Success Story

Editor’s note: We typically share stories of people who have had God change their life through our New Life Program. However, the Rescue Mission also runs other programs to help people get off the streets and achieve faith, sobriety, and employment. Our Transitions Program is one of those other programs. The Transitions Program is for people who are homeless or struggling but need less focus on addiction and more help with employment, housing, and stability. This month we share a life story from Keith Earnhart, who recently completed our Transitions Program.

While I have struggled with drug use and criminal behavior for much of my adult life, I have never considered myself an addict. I have quit drugs for long periods of time without the help of counseling or a long-term program. At the same time, I know my drug and alcohol abuse has had a significant and negative impact on my life.

One of the negative impacts of my substance abuse caused my homelessness. I have a child (who is now almost four-years old) and I was living with my child’s mother. My drug use contributed to a falling out between me and my child’s mother.

I recognized my struggles and chose to leave our home, knowing I was unstable and upsetting our family situation. With nowhere else to turn, I sought help from the Rescue Mission. The staff there welcomed me and gave me a place to stay and food to eat. While I had known about homeless shelters before, I had never actually lived in one.

The Mission staff shared that they had a program to quickly get me back on my feet. They blessed me by giving me a safe haven. There are few places that are drug free and protect people in situations like I was in from the rigors of the street. In fact, I think the Mission is the only place where people struggling with homelessness can experience a drug-free and faith-based environment.

At the Mission my life changed. There is a sermon every night that you can listen to and be encouraged by God’s Word. The whole place is a safe spot where you can regain your connection to Jesus.

I was able to refocus my life and quickly got a good-paying job in my profession as a cement-mixer driver. Through the Transitions Program I could live at the Mission while getting financially back on my feet.

I had many fines to pay off due to my criminal charges and am thankful to say I have been able to pay them all. I also have paid all my child support and continue to pay it each month to support my child and my child’s mother. Because I have been doing so well, my probation officer and the judge overseeing my cases ended my probation early, in July.

Today I feel like a free man again.

I am off the streets and living with family members until a friend of mine has an opening at a place he rents out. I would appreciate your prayers about my family situation. The mother of my child does not trust me (and she has every reason to not trust me because I have let her down many times). Right now, I am giving her and my child space but would love to have a better relationship with them in the future.

I have been clean and sober for two years now and am in a good place spiritually and ready to be a father. At the same time, I know there is a lot of relationship building that needs to happen before my child’s mother can trust me again.

Thank you so much for supporting the Rescue Mission and providing a place for people like me who need help. I never thought I would be homeless or in need of this kind of assistance, but I am so thankful that there is a place in our community that helps people like me. Your support is a true blessing and has changed my life!