Almost two years ago, we introduced you to Dan (see Our Place’s Winter 2024 newsletter on our website).

At that time, he was living at New Roads Therapeutic Recovery Community—working to rebuild his life after years of struggling with addiction, homelessness, and illness.

Dan’s journey was a long one. What began as experimentation with friends in high school slowly spiralled into years of dependence, hospital visits for infections caused by intravenous drug use, and a decade spent living on the streets, accessing meals from the Our Place Community Centre. When we last checked in, he was nearing the end of his treatment at New Roads and beginning to imagine a new life for himself.

Today, Dan welcomes us into his home. He’s just finished a shift at the restaurant where he works the grill—something he’s genuinely proud of. His shoes are lined neatly at the door, his jacket hangs on the hook, dishes dry in the rack, and his guitar rests in the corner. These small, ordinary details are extraordinary for him. They are the markers of a life rebuilt, one careful piece at a time.

“When I finished recovery, I didn’t know what came next,” Dan admits. “I didn’t have steady work yet, and the thought of moving into a market rental terrified me. I didn’t want it all to come crumbling down again.”

With support from Brooke, our Continuing Care Coordinator, Dan began the delicate transition from the structure of treatment to independent living. He moved into Jaymac House—Our Place’s sober housing for
graduates of New Roads—and started working again in a restaurant kitchen.

“I flip burgers,” he says with a grin, “but I’m good at it. I feel recognized and valued.”

And he hasn’t just reconnected with his hobbies and his career. When he was homeless, Dan isolated himself out of shame. He has reconnected with his family.

“Before I ended up in New Roads, I’d see my parents maybe once every couple of years—usually when they came looking for me. I used to hide from them because I didn’t want them to see me like that.”

Now, he visits them regularly. Dinner with his dad is on the calendar this week, and he’s planning a road trip up Island with his mom soon.

Dan no longer feels alone. He’s surrounded by the support of his peers, his family, and a community that believes in him.

This January, he’ll take another big step forward—moving into a market rental and living fully independently for the first time in many years. He’ll stay connected through New Roads alumni meetings, Our Place
events, and visits back to New Roads to celebrate milestones with residents who are just beginning their recovery journey.

Despite years of illness and uncertainty, Dan has finally found his footing—and a home. Your support made that possible.

“It’s worth supporting programs like this,” Dan says quietly. “Even if you only helped one person—it changed my life.”