The following success story was submitted by Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter & Services. Dollars given to United Way of Kennebec Valley support this program as well as many others across Kennebec Valley.
Steven battled addiction for years. What began as a way to cope with life’s challenges quickly spiraled into a destructive cycle. The consequences were devastating—his finances were depleted, his mental health deteriorated, and he became trapped in anxiety and depression. These struggles eventually left him homeless.
That’s when he came to MMHSS. Overwhelmed and scared, Steven turned to his case manager and admitted he wanted to change—for himself and his daughter. This moment of vulnerability marked a turning point.
Steven began attending local AA meetings. For the first few weeks, he shared his progress with pride, finding comfort in the shared experiences of others. Each sober day brought a sense of accomplishment. But recovery wasn’t easy. After a few weeks, Steven began to falter, attending fewer meetings as old habits crept back in. Feeling ashamed, he distanced himself from his support system.
Eventually, Steven told his case manager he wanted to go to rehab. Together, they explored detox and rehab options across Maine, as there were none close to home. Ultimately, Steven found a detox program in Bangor, forcing him to leave his home and his daughter in Waterville. After detox, he transitioned to a rehab center in Ellsworth, once again seeking services in a place he didn’t know. Therapy, group counseling, and structure helped him rebuild his life step by step.
Five months later, Steven’s transformation is remarkable. He has maintained his sobriety, found stable housing in Ellsworth, and continues to see a counselor. He is also slowly rebuilding his relationship with his daughter.
This is why recovery matters. Unfortunately, few people achieve Steven’s success because few can endure leaving home—not once, but twice—and giving up the people and places they know to access programs and services in other parts of the state. By co-locating housing and recovery services, we can create dozens more success stories like Steven’s.
