At one point, Bryan's life was fueled by anger, pride, and self-destruction. Growing up, he fought—both physically and emotionally—allowing his emotions to dictate his actions. In 2008, a broken hand led to a prescription for pain medication. What began as a temporary solution to manage pain quickly became an addiction. And it all started just six months after his daughter was born.
Addiction took everything from him. His job, his home, his family. He lost his daughter and her mother, and with nowhere to go, Bryan became homeless for two years, struggling to survive.
By 2013, his life had spiraled completely out of control, and he was sentenced to prison. It was behind bars that he found Jesus. For the first time, he understood that his true identity was in Christ, not in his past. But after being released in 2016, he fell into a toxic relationship. Within a year, he was married and divorced, leaving him feeling more broken and lost than ever.
Instead of staying close to the Lord, Bryan ran. He sought comfort in all the wrong places, distancing himself from the faith he had found. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, he lost his church and his support system. After five years of sobriety, he reached out to an old friend. That one decision led to a relapse—this time with fentanyl. For four years, addiction consumed him. The shame was suffocating. And the further he ran from God, the deeper he fell into darkness.
Then, six months before entering House of Refuge Sunnyslope, Bryan overdosed. He died.
Narcan brought him back, but he knew it was God who had given him another chance. It was a wake-up call he couldn’t ignore. At his lowest point, he cried out to the Lord. He was broken, desperate, and ready for change. His sister picked him up and took him to detox. But this time was different. This time, he wasn’t going because someone else told him to. He was going because he truly wanted to change.
After ten days in detox, Bryan walked through the doors of House of Refuge Sunnyslope.
It was overwhelming. He was scared, nervous, and ashamed of how far he had fallen. But instead of running, Bryan stayed.
In the last eight months, he has built a structured life that has helped him grow. Mentors like Matt, Jim, and Chris have poured wisdom, encouragement, and accountability into his life, helping him stay the course. The community at House of Refuge Sunnyslope has been unlike anything he has ever experienced. Here, men don’t just live together—they lift each other up. The staff, volunteers, and other residents walk alongside one another, proving that no one fights alone.
And while there have been many blessings, one unexpected highlight? The food. More than just a meal, it’s a reminder that he is cared for, that people love him, and that God is providing for him in ways he never imagined.
Through House of Refuge Sunnyslope, Bryan has learned the four pillars crucial for rebuilding his life:
Being open to God – He has learned to surrender, trusting that God's plan is greater than his own.
Being teachable – He now accepts wisdom from those who have walked before him, embracing accountability and growing from his past instead of being defined by it.
Seeking healthy relationships – He surrounds himself with people who encourage and support him rather than those who pull him back into destruction.
Gaining financial security – He is building a sustainable career, taking pride in his work, and becoming self-sufficient.
But the most important lesson? Building his life on a firm foundation.
Before HRS, his life was built on sand—unstable, unpredictable, and ready to crumble. Now, he stands on the rock of Christ, knowing this foundation will not fail him.
Since coming to House of Refuge Sunnyslope, Bryan's proudest accomplishments include securing a full-time job that has led to a career, earning two promotions in just eight months, and—perhaps most meaningful—rebuilding his relationship with his daughter.
Work was humbling at first. He started by cleaning toilets—a job far below his skill level. But he clung to Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." With that mindset, he cleaned those toilets with pride, knowing that God saw his effort. That same faithfulness led to two promotions in less than a year.
Even more significant than his career growth is his restored relationship with his daughter. Now 16 and active in sports, she is at a pivotal stage in her life. Bryan is determined to be the father she deserves. He shows up at every game, proving to her—and to himself—that he is a different man than before.
With only four months left at House of Refuge Sunnyslope, Bryan is focused on his next steps. His goals are clear: securing stable housing so he never experiences homelessness again, continuing to grow in his career, and getting off probation by the end of 2025.
His legal situation alone is a testimony to God’s grace. He was facing 8 to 15 years in prison, a sentence that should have determined his future. But then, God intervened. The judge deferred his sentence, allowing him to stay free and continue rebuilding his life.
Bryan is grateful for the strong support system he has in his family, and he remains committed to keeping his relationships in the right order:
God first. Without Jesus, he cannot be who he was created to be.
His own stability. He must stay rooted in faith and growth to stand strong.
His daughter. She is his greatest motivation to stay the course.
Because without God at the center, everything falls apart. But with Christ, Bryan walks into a future filled with hope, stability, and purpose.
"House of Refuge Sunnyslope is full of modern-day miracles. God shows up every day through His people, and this place has changed my life."
These words are more than a reflection. They are his testimony.
Here at House of Refuge Sunnyslope, we witness stories like Bryan's every day. Stories of redemption, of brokenness made whole, of lives forever changed. This is why we exist. To be a refuge, a place of transformation, and a house where men can rebuild their lives on a foundation that will never crumble.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Because of you, men like Bryan don’t just find shelter—they find hope.
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