Lori: From Homeless to Hired

At the end of summer 2018, I was at the absolute bottom. I was struggling with addiction for a few years, which eventually made me lose where I was living. I was living under a bridge near the Jack Casino. I never thought that would happen to me.

Some people would walk past me and say, ‘Why don’t you get a job for once in your life?’ and I’d think, ‘Well, why don’t you come and ask me?’ I’ve worked the majority of my life. I was a contractor for P&G. I had that job for five years. Before that, I had a job for seven years. It’s not like it’s been like this forever. It’s not like when we’re kids we say, ‘I want to grow up and be an addict.’

The Jobs Van was a big boost mentally for me, the sense of worth it gave me. It makes you feel like a human being, even though you’re out there on the streets. It was just being able to work for my money again. Jobs Van manager Jim Cira treats everyone like a person, like they have a chance in this world no matter how many times they screw up.

I worked all summer on the van. Jim mentioned another person who was part of the Jobs Van who went into sober living. So I said, ‘Let’s give it a shot.’

Now, I’m 10 months sober and work for 3CDC as a downtown ambassador. A year ago, I could only dream about a well paying job that I enjoy. I can’t even believe I just purchased a car. And you know what really makes me smile? It’s when the people who passed me every day at 6th & Main 10 months ago, pass me now with big smiles, and some with tears in their eyes, happy and proud of how far I’ve come.

I am honored to be given this opportunity to help spread the word about this great Jobs Van program and to let people know that addicts can and do recover. Also, to hopefully help remove the negative stigma attached to homelessness and addiction.

One of the shelter guests at City Gospel Mission walked up to me and said, ‘I don’t know you, and you don’t know me, but I just want to say I’ve heard your story and want to say congratulations. You are an inspiration to many. I know you inspire me.’

Jim coming to pick me up, and me working really gave me a boost. Jim believed in every one of us that was on the van, no matter how many times we failed. There are more success stories than just me.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and everyone else out there struggling.

City Gospel Mission operates the Jobs Van as part of GeneroCity 513 – a partnership with 3CDC, Downtown Cincinnati Inc., and Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services. The Jobs Van offers the homeless and panhandlers an honest day’s work while connecting them with services needed for long-term success.