A Life Beyond What You Can Imagine

St. George’s Crypt has been supporting homeless and vulnerable people, as well as those struggling with addiction, since 1930. We are dedicated to addressing the root causes of homelessness, with addiction being a significant contributor. Our Growing Rooms rehabilitation program is designed to help individuals free themselves from addiction.

One of the residents, Lance, shared his experience with us. He talked about his life on the streets before joining Growing Rooms and how the program has helped him thrive.

Lance shared,

"Before I came here, I was homeless and didn't care about anything. I was trapped in drug addiction, engaging in dishonest and manipulative behaviour to support my habit. I would beg on the streets, collect money, and use it to buy drugs, creating a destructive cycle. I was even deceiving my own family, who eventually gave me an ultimatum to seek help or face being disowned. That's when I realised, I needed to make a change."

"I chose to join Growing Rooms to break free from my addiction. I was tired of the miserable and painful life I was leading,"

Lance continued.

"When I arrived, I was in a terrible state mentally and physically. But after just two months in the program, the change has been remarkable. I feel emotionally stable now and have established a healthy routine. It's a complete turnaround from where I was before."

Reflecting on the support he has received from St. George’s Crypt, Lance expressed his gratitude, saying,

"I'm grateful for everything I have now - a roof over my head, food to eat, and the ability to live honestly without resorting to theft. I live with people who understand the challenges of addiction, which has made a significant difference in my recovery journey. In the outside world, it's hard for non-addicts to understand the struggles faced by those in addiction. But in this program, I've been able to discover more about myself both externally and internally."

Recalling his time as a homeless individual, Lance shared,

"Every day on the streets was filled with loneliness and pain. I felt depressed and even had suicidal thoughts. I would sit on a bench, begging for food, and if I received money, I would rather buy drugs than get a meal. This destructive cycle continued until the pain became unbearable, and I knew I had to stop. I reached a point of desperation, which was a crucial part of my surrender."

To those who are still struggling with addiction and homelessness, Lance offered his advice,

"Give Growing Rooms a go. You have nothing to lose, as you stand to lose more out on the streets. Out there, you might even lose your life, but here, you can gain a new life. I highly recommend the Growing Rooms program - it offers a life beyond what you can imagine."