A Place To Belong: Miguel’s Story

When Miguel first began working with the team at Compass Affordable Housing, he was looking for a supportive community to begin rebuilding his life. “Recovery isn’t for people who just need it, you know, it’s for people who actually want it”, Miguel shared. “When I finally realized I wanted to be sober, that’s when things started to change for me. When I was deep in addiction, I couldn’t find anyone to talk to because I didn’t even understand what it was, or why my life felt so messed up.”

Before beginning his journey with CAH, Miguel, who had been working in the construction industry, found himself making decisions while under the influence of his addiction, which resulted in his being sent to jail. In his own words: “I got clean off the drugs and decided to go to rehab to turn my life around because I’d been battling addiction for 25 years, and my life was a mess. When I got out, I was trying to find a halfway house, but nobody would take me. I didn’t have a job or anything, you know?”

Miguel was basically crashing in a ditch until he met Old Pueblo Community Services, which connected him with Sullivan Jackson, who introduced him to Compass Affordable Housing. When asked how working with CAH and their community partners has impacted his life, Miguel smiles and says, “It’s been great, man. Ever since I linked up with Compass, things have changed for me big time. I’ve got a place to live now—not homeless anymore. I’ve got awesome neighbors, and it’s a good spot where I’m staying.” Miguel now has hope for building the life he envisions for himself and his family. He is working full-time and able to spend time pursuing hobbies, including carving and woodworking.

As Miguel reflects on where he is today and his journey, he shares that “Probation’s not a bad thing. It’s helping me get my life back on track and giving me the structure I need to stay on the right side of the law.” He is looking forward and already making plans to go back to school after probation, to begin developing the skills for his next chapter.

When Miguel talks to others about where he is now, and how far he has come, he smiles and says, “I’m happy with where I’m at now, and I’m closer to my family than I’ve ever been. Honestly, I’m really thankful for a lot of things in my life right now.”

Miguel believes he now has a purpose in life and is grateful every day for his sobriety, the opportunities that lie ahead, and his belief in his higher power; “I’m really glad for the friends I’ve made. I’m happy with this place.” Miguel has found not just a place to live and grow, but a community that supports him, help to get a good job to cover his rent and expenses, the self-confidence and belief in himself, and most of all, a sense of belonging—“I feel like I belong here.”