Our Stories Matter: Preston

Preston never expected to be homeless. But with some introspection, he realized that his choices led to his homelessness. He was drinking a lot, and the more he drank, the more comfortable he was outside.

As a result, his company went out of business, and he also lost his job.

When the seasons started to change, it got very hard on Preston. He and his buddies would sleep under the truck trailer outside of Ruth’s Room. When they did not have money to buy food, they would eat Pizza out of a nearby Pizza Hut dumpster.

Then one day, Preston saw his friends speaking with Carrie and Scott who were out in the field representing Giving Grace’s Street Outreach team. He was curious and went over to find out what they were saying. They offered Preston the opportunity to get back his ID and find shelter in a hotel. They continued returning and connecting with him for the next two years. They helped him find shelter and also started the process of getting his ID.

In the process, Carrie introduced Preston to Giving Grace’s PSH / Housing Relief program and also helped him to a hotel. He met Wendy, and she was able to find him an apartment. This gave him a chance to have shelter, a place to sleep, be warm and safe, and a fighting chance to get his life back in order.

Preston continues to work with Rebecca, who helps him in various areas. He is so thankful to Carrie, Wendy, Scott, and Rebecca for helping him get back into a home. He feels so great that he is no longer homeless.

He says having a home is a very cool thing!

Preston is so grateful to everyone at Giving Grace for helping him and giving him a chance! He is so thankful that he now has a home.

“If your laughing and you’re loving, then you’re living.” - Preston