Help make social isolation 聽with United Way
Addiction is a lonely place. Foundation House, funded by United Way is making a difference.
When Erik was 17, he lost his father to cancer. He turned to alcohol to cope. Now in his 30鈥檚, he鈥檚 still dealing with the loss.
鈥淚鈥檝e been a hard alcoholic since I was about 21. I always just lived with my problems. I never got help.鈥�
Over the past decade, he鈥檚 been through聽several detox and treatment centres and also served time in jail. He fought to stay sober but as soon as he was out on the streets, he would drink and use right away.
鈥淚 was like a zombie. I just got so聽hopeless. I was so sick of being sick.鈥�
A couple of years ago, Erik entered detox. A worker from Umbrella Society for Addictions and Mental Health in Victoria worked with him and offered support. Through the painful process, Erik learned about Foundation House, funded by United Way and how it could change his life.聽
Erik is one of 11 men who lives at Foundation House. He鈥檚 quiet. He鈥檚 gentle. He speaks softly. He鈥檚 a聽problem solver and now the senior resident there. For the new members of the house, he鈥檚 there to help and to listen.
鈥淚f they have any problems they can come talk to me鈥 make them feel comfortable, make them feel safe and wanted.鈥�
Now Erik has a full-time job. He just bought a car. His confidence is growing.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know where I鈥檇 be if not for here,鈥� says Erik. 鈥淚鈥檓 not saying it鈥檚 easy. Every day is a battle trying to stay sober, but in the long run it鈥檚 better than being homeless and being drunk and not having a life.鈥�
Erik鈥檚 top priority has shifted from one of chasing the next drink to that of continuous improvement.
鈥淭he main thing I have now is that I care about myself again. This house helps people turn their lives around and break the cycle of addiction. It鈥檚 done miracles for me.鈥�
You can help make sure that when people like Erik reach out for help, that someone is there to catch them.
Your gift today to United Way Greater Victoria will be invested in a network of local organizations and programs that help people who are struggling with #UNIGNORABLE issues like addiction, mental health issues, and poverty.
Please 聽or by calling (250) 385-6708. Every dollar stays local.
