For Rhonda, life before Magdala was a cycle of pain and uncertainty. Struggling with addiction and mental health challenges, she found herself in and out of rehabilitation programs, with three suicide attempts marking her lowest moments. “I was lost,” she recalls. “I didn’t know where to turn.”
Her journey took a turn when a caseworker at the Salvation Army connected her with Magdala’s Tiny Homes program. Moving into her new tiny home marked the beginning of a transformative chapter. For the first time, Rhonda experienced a structured environment where she could focus on rebuilding her life. “It wasn’t just about sobriety,” she says. “It was about finding stability and learning how to take care of myself.”
At Tiny Homes, Rhonda embraced the structure and community. She attended AA meetings, participated in free programs, and found inspiration in the Director of the Unhoused and Emergency Shelter Programs, Garfield, whose support and encouragement helped her build confidence. “He told me, ‘You don’t have to feel weak because you need help,’ and that changed everything for me,” Rhonda shares.
In time, Rhonda transitioned to Magdala’s Rapid Rehousing program, Hammond Apartments, where she gained independence in her new apartment. The journey wasn’t without challenges—adjusting to life without the day-to-day structure of Tiny Homes was difficult. But Rhonda found strength in her routine: planning her days, attending meetings, and embracing small joys like coloring and solving puzzles.
Today, Rhonda reflects on how far she’s come. “Having my own space, my own key—it’s a blessing,” she says. “I never thought I’d be able to say I feel safe and stable, but here I am.”
Her message to others facing similar struggles is clear: “Stick to the rules, embrace the help, and don’t be afraid to start over. You can create a life you’re proud of—it all starts with taking that first step.”
Rhonda’s story is a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the importance of programs like Magdala’s. She dreams of one day owning her own tiny home and continues to work towards a future filled with hope and stability. “I don’t want to go back to who I was,” she says. “Now, it’s all about moving forward.”
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