Homeless, alone and with nowhere else to go, Edward came to Open Door Rescue Mission in February 2007 in search of treatment. Immediately, they enrolled him into an addiction program at Amherst House, and within two days he had left for treatment. During his two-month stay at Amherst House, Edward broke his addiction and met God for the first time.

Edward faced a crossroads upon the completion of the program. Though he had found the hope of God and made the first steps towards a lasting recovery, he was still without a home, money or genuine support. Not knowing where he was going, Edward boarded a bus back to Detroit.

When the bus stopped at MacDougall and Gratiot, Edward knew God had brought him home. He stepped off the bus and walked across the street to Open Door Rescue Mission.

Since that day 18 months ago he’s been a part of their transitional program. Rather than being pressured to find a job right away, these men are encouraged to grow in their relationship with God. The transitional program is very structurally based – men engage in daily worship services, bible studies and are committed to performing daily chores, all the while learning how to have healthy relationships.

“It’s really teaching me how to live,” said Edward. “I like showing other men that there’s a better way of living. The transitional program is helping me to be a better person.”

Edward grew up in a single parent home with freedom to do as he wanted. Since coming to Open Door, he’s learned that family and education are much more important than he once regarded them.

“I don’t want others to go down the road that I went down before. I didn’t realize how selfish I was,” said Edward. “Open Door showed me how to appreciate blessings that came my way. They taught me how to appreciate the little things in life. They would help anybody. That’s why my life is about helping others now too.”

Edward has always wanted to go back to school, but until Open Door it had just been a fleeting thought. Currently, he’s in the process of pursuing his GED. Upon completion of that he plans to attend a trade school for a heating and cooling specialty.

“I’ve learned that it’s important to have goals, but to also have patience. It’s important not to try and attain everything at one time,” said Edward.

In every area of his life, Edward states that the mission has made a lasting impression with him. “Open Door cares about our welfare; they are loving and sincere in all that they do,” said Edward. “Pastor Farris has especially made an impact on my life because he always speaks what is right and true; he is genuine and honest. I think Open Door Rescue Mission is the best mission in the city – it’s a family here.”