Area shelter offers hope to man who hit bottom

Editor’s note: The following is a first-person account by an individual who is helped by the Salvation Army food bank, the recipient of this year’s Be an Angel campaign. To donate, visit the Herald office at 101186 Nanaimo Ave. W. between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit www.pentictonherald.ca.

Today’s story is about loss and hope. A gentleman was living in Salmon Arm a few years ago. Let’s call him Wayne.

He was happily married to the love of his life. In 2006, his wife was diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer. She suffered terribly for eight weeks and then died at age 64.

This hit Wayne so hard that he turned to alcohol to cope with his trauma. He tried to work on his recovery but could not find it in himself to get there the first time. Finally, he hit rock bottom and joined two support groups to help him with a dual addiction.

He moved to Penticton in August and has been staying at Compass House, a shelter run by the Salvation Army in partnership with BC Housing.

Shelter residents often require a longer stay due to compromised health, like Wayne, who has arthritis and is feeling the effects of his addictions and age in general. Wayne tries to get work where he can but has not found a steady job.

Wayne reflected on his life in the past and today.

“I had hit rock bottom, and that’s why I am here. My meetings are a big help to me. I am doing the best I can and I have God back in my life again. I am happy,” he says.

Christmas is tough for those who battle addictions, despite being in recovery. This year, Wayne has hope. He says, “Roger (the shelter manager) does not want me to be alone. I am going to be OK.”

God bless the compassionate staff who support men and women like Wayne, going above and beyond the call of duty to keep giving hope today.