Meet Chris

For years, addiction controlled Chris’s life, costing him his home, his business, and even time with his children. By 2021, he and his young son, Drake, were living in a tent in Lawrence. At first, it felt like an adventure—until reality set in. “I can’t keep living like this. Not with my son. I am going to lose him,” Chris realized.

Hope came when a fellow unhoused neighbor encouraged him to seek help. That push led Chris to treatment, and eventually, to TRM’s Hope Center. There, he found more than shelter—he found people who truly saw him, valued him, and believed in his potential. Through mentoring, counseling, and faith-based support, Chris confronted the deep wounds that fueled his addiction, dating back to the loss of his father at just 14 years old.

Healing wasn’t just about getting sober. It was about building a future. With life skills training and stable employment, Chris not only reclaimed his life but also found purpose. Today, he works at TRM, giving back to the community that helped restore him. “I feel like I’m home,” he says. “I have people who are my friends and my extended family—people who truly care about me.”