Hector was baptized in February. He knows Jesus has been “by his side” every day of his recovery.

When Hector was 22, his father died. “He was my best friend. It was a real tragedy for me. I was the only one he could really talk to, and he was the only one I could really talk to,” Hector shared. After his father’s death, Hector spent years traveling. “I was out trying to find myself. I was going through a real depression. I lost my job, my family was separated, and so I left.

“I decided to drive cross-country. My car broke down on the side of the highway. I didn’t have anyone to call for assistance, so I was homeless in Denver. I started walking the streets, meeting people. I was in and out of homeless shelters. I would use drugs to ease the pain, to ease my feelings. I was really hurting.”

After six months, Hector called his uncle who bought him a ticket back to California. When he arrived, Hector knew something had to change. “I was the skinniest I’ve ever been,” he said. “I couldn’t find work, I couch surfed, but there was no real place for me to belong. My siblings want the best for me, and I was tired of doing drugs. I went to our local church and asked for help, and they referred me to Renewed Hope.”

In September 2023, Hector entered the Life Recovery Program. “At first, I was in denial. I kept telling myself I wasn’t an addict. I thought, ‘I just need a place to stay, and just need to get a job.’ But when I started to do the work, to do the program, it hit me that I was an addict.”

That the program is faith-based has been monumental to Hector’s success. “I have never been more Christian in my entire life than I am right now,” he said. “It’s an experience that I’ve always wanted but I never thought I’d have. I didn’t expect this to be a part of my recovery.

“Through church, we get to do events for the homeless and now I’m on this side of the serving line. Instead of receiving food, I give it out. I’ve also helped in the kitchen at the Mission, making the food. Being on this side, and being involved with families in need, it makes you feel good.”

Hector, now 27, graduated and has entered the Transitional Living Program. In August, he celebrated one year of sobriety. Hector was granted a scholarship to attend the Western Barber Institute, where he’s taking classes to become a licensed barber. He’s also thinking of pursuing a career in the military, and finishing his college degree, though he knows “anything can happen.”

“Sometimes I still get stressed out about the future, but with keeping the faith, and with God, and working the program, I believe I’ll get back on my feet. I know in some ways I already am. I was baptized in February. I found Jesus and He’s been by my side every step of the way. I’m so thankful in coming to know Jesus, it’s been amazing.

“I’m thankful for Jesus and the Mission. My transformation has been transformational,” Hector laughed. “I’m thankful for the Mission and for everyone who makes this (program) possible. Thank you.”