My name is CJ and I am writing to thank Nicole’s House of Hope for being there for me when I needed them the most. A few months ago I had a mental breakdown and because of it, I went from having a professional job and career to not being able to work or care for myself. I found myself on the streets of Atlanta without a nickel in my pocket. I had never been homeless before.
I had no understanding of how to survive living on the streets. It was horrible.
I was always scared, depressed and lost 42 pounds. My medication was stolen from an overnight shelter I was sleeping at. I passed out on the streets and was taken to the psychiatrist ward of the Grady hospital.
Grady referred me to Nicole’s House of Hope. The staff was patient and always made me feel as they really cared about my well-being and safety. When I arrived I was in bad mental and emotional shape. I felt hopeless and knew my life was at an end. From the first day the staff made me feel like they really cared about me. They were so patient, understanding and supportive. I got counseling, enough time to heal and become mentally stable enough to get back in the workforce.
Today I have a job, a car and a place of my own. I have hope that my future will be good and I will not be homeless again. In my experience, Nicole’s House of Hope provides an essential service to our community, one I will be eternally grateful for.