Krystal’s Story

My name is Krystal. I’m 43 years old. And I don’t know how I’m not dead. I was in an abusive relationship and on drugs. I gave up everything for that. I just ended up on the streets. Then I finally got away from him and off drugs. I was living outside by the river. I had a tarp and slept under a tree. I slept there off and on for four years. I’d stay at someone’s house on the couch, then go to the woods, then at someone’s house, then back to the woods.

Being homeless, you come across some very strange people. It’s very scary. It was hard to sleep in the woods.An outreach worker from Middletown came across me one day. She took me to Hope House. That was March 11 – the day my life started changing. God definitely stepped in.

I was off drugs when I went into Hope House. I had quit Feb. 18. I said it’s time to buckle down. I had to change something in my life. I was scared when I got there. But I knew God has His hand on my life. At Hope House, I went through counseling and did outpatient treatment for two months. They had classes every day, teaching life lessons and other subjects, like how to save money. The teachers were great. A Hope House staff member invited me to church and I started going. Then a bunch of other women started going with me. Even when I was homeless, I had faith in God. My faith is great now.

I was baptized two months ago with two other women from Hope House. The volunteers are good people. They came in and fed us really well. I had been malnourished when I got there.

I was now able to sleep and did not have to worry about anything. I had a place to lay my head and think straight without worrying about food or someone grabbing me. This gave me the peace of mind to do what I needed to do to get myself back on my feet. The staff took care of all our needs. The case workers help you manage your life when you can’t. I was able to get a full-time job at Kroger where I’ve been or two months. I also was able to get a vehicle.

I left Hope House in early August. I live with my daughter with plans to take over her apartment lease in October when she moves. It will be my first apartment in 6 or 7 years. I am kind of scared of having to pay for my own place. I just have to keep strong. Keep going to work. 

I’ve been sober for seven months now. I started doing drugs at 11 years old, and I’ve never been sober for this long. It’s the first time ever that I have been sober and happy at the same time. I’ve come a long, long way. I’m proud of myself. I thank God for Hope House and everything He has done in my life. I’m so grateful to everyone who supports Hope House. 

Because without you, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I definitely couldn’t have done it without you.