Chad

Chad’s childhood was marked by neglect and a lack of emotional support. His parents divorced when he was just 7, and in his search for comfort, he started using drugs and alcohol by age 10. After years of battling addiction, homelessness, and incarceration, Chad knew something had to change...

Raised in a broken home with parents who struggled with addiction, Chad didn’t have anyone to teach him how to cope with life’s challenges. Instead, he turned to substances to numb his emotions, and over the years sank into self-destruction and isolation.

“I lived in my car due to the shame and loneliness I felt from not being able to ask for help,” he recalls. 

During one of his stints in jail, Chad finally grew tired of the endless cycle. “I was done with this road,” he says. “I didn’t know how I’d get out of the hole I was in.” Finding help felt impossible. 

Then he called Portland Rescue Mission. “It was a glimmer of hope that God put in my path,” Chad says. “I was so happy to know that there was a place for me.” 

Staff picked him up from jail and brought him to the Mission. “It just shows their grace and compassion – that they would take the time to give someone like me a chance,” Chad says. 

At The Harbor, inside our New Life Men’s Recovery Program, Chad found stability through consistent meals, safe shelter, and Christ-centered recovery that helped him rebuild his life.

He also began training for a marathon. The discipline and camaraderie he found helped him along his healing journey. “Running has become a mental relief for me. It’s challenging and helps me stay focused on a goal.” 

Chad has since graduated from the program and now works as The Harbor’s Discovery and Advocacy Specialist. He finds joy in giving back – loving our neighbors in need by walking alongside them as they begin their own journeys. “It’s such a big difference going from isolation and selfishness to community and love. I am joyful and grateful for the life Jesus has given me."

"Jesus has brought me from hate to love, fear to courage, and darkness into light."