Just 10 years ago, Robert was living the American dream. He and his wife had moved from California to Arkansas, he was working in the hospitality and restaurant industry, and they had welcomed a son and a daughter.

Unfortunately, Robert’s life began unraveling when his wife started having health problems, and he started drinking and using drugs as a way to cope.

Robert’s substance abuse led to the end of his marriage, and eventually to homelessness – he lived in the woods in Arkansas for three years. He eventually made it back to California for a fresh start. But the disease of alcoholism had Robert in its grip, and he continued to drink heavily.

In 2021, Robert’s sister finally took matters into her own hands, when she took him to Charle Street detox in Costa Mesa against his wishes. He soon realized it was the best thing that could have happened to him.

After finishing the three days of detox, Robert was able to attend church with others from Charle Street. Immediately after the first service he attended, he asked the pastor and other church leaders for prayer to overcome his alcoholism. He is confident that this prayer – along with his regular participation in AA meetings – has healed him from the disease.

Robert moved to an Action Alliance home immediately after leaving Charle Street. After a few temporary jobs, he was hired at a local Norm’s, initially as a cashier. He has since been promoted twice, and is currently a server and assistant supervisor.

When Robert first moved to Action Alliance, he took the bus to work. Soon after, he was able to purchase a scooter. Within the last year, he had saved enough to buy a reliable used car. As one of just a few residents at his Action Alliance house with a car, he helps out other residents with transportation, including one resident’s weekly trip to the grocery store.

Robert’s work ethic has produced other fruit as well. He’s been paying child support for the last several years, and is even saving money to eventually purchase a rental property in Arkansas. He is also in touch with his children (now in their teens) on a regular basis, and visits his parents in Central California every few months. And he sees his sister – the woman who drove him to Charle Street – for regular outings to the movies and more.

“Action Alliance has provided me with the structure I needed in my life,” explains Robert. “My housemates are like family. I love being an example to newer residents, through both my sobriety and my faith in Christ.”