This past year, we saw many incredible stories of healing. Today, we want to share Matt’s story. We share this story with his permission in the hopes it may resonate with others who are going through something similar so that they, too, may find the strength to walk in sobriety.
Matt’s life wasn’t always defined by addiction. Once a successful truck driver specializing in steel hauling, he had a family, a career, and stability. But alcoholism gradually stripped everything away, leaving him sleeping in the woods with nothing but a bottle – no coat, no blanket, just the company of his addiction.
When he first arrived at Nest Community Shelter, his hands shook so violently he couldn’t write his name or pour a drink without using a straw. He hadn’t eaten in ten days. Lying in bed on our shelter floor that first night, he prayed simply to make it until morning.
Despite our staff’s encouragement for him to seek treatment, Matt initially resisted. “I don’t come from poverty or a broken home,” he’d say, believing he could handle it alone. But addiction doesn’t discriminate. He lost his daughters – his “number one cheerleaders” – his father turned his back on him, and his brother, who survived a drunk driving accident, wouldn’t speak to him. His addiction had taken everything from him over time.
The turning point came through the collective support of Nest staff and residents. Their tough love and wisdom, particularly about the black-and-white nature of sobriety, finally broke through. Matt entered rehab at Avenues Recovery in Fort Wayne for 31 days, followed by sober living in South Bend.
Today, seven and a half months sober, Matt’s life looks drastically different. He’s back behind the wheel, hauling heavy steel. More importantly, he’s rebuilt relationships with his family. On a recent Sunday after church – now a non-negotiable part of his weekly routine – he found himself at his father’s house surrounded by his daughters, brother, and girlfriend.
“This is what it was all worth it for,” he reflects. “This is the end game.” His message to others struggling with addiction is clear: reach out for help. “You’re either in or you’re not – there’s no gray area with sobriety.” His story stands as testament that while addiction can happen to anyone, recovery is possible with the right support and determination.
We are so proud of Matt and the life he’s rebuilt. We see so many individuals with stories of addiction come through our door, each one is a life that has the ability to shine bright. For some walking through our doors is their rock bottom, for other’s their journey takes more time. Either way, our staff is there to listen, provide guidance, and connect those who need and want to leave the life of addiction behind to support services. This work takes time, as we walk with our guests through this process and we cannot do it without financial support from our community. Please consider donating today so that Nest may continue to support individuals like Matt and help guide their journey to healthy, sober living.
If you would like to support Nest’s work you can donate here.
