A Year of Growth Changed Everything

Before coming to House of Refuge Sunnyslope (HRS), Joshua was living the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.

“Entrepreneur’s life can be up and down when you’re trying to be innovative, when you’re trying to go for something that’s not the norm,” he said. “It’s definitely not meant for everybody, and you have to have that mentality of commitment.”

Joshua was deeply committed to launching a startup business of his own. What began with excitement quickly became overwhelming as costs rose far beyond what he had planned. “We actually got the $25,000,” he shared, “and then it went up to $90,000 for the startup.”

At the same time, life around him grew heavier. He was living with a friend whose wife was battling cancer. “It was just like a big mess,” Joshua said, and he realized he needed to find another place to stay so he wouldn’t be a burden.

The pressure took a toll. “This was just too much,” he admitted.

Joshua found himself sleeping in his truck and caught in what he described as “a vicious cycle.” Though he was still making money, his choices were hurting him. “I started to spend money on alcohol…just making really poor financial decisions,” he said.

At the time, Joshua didn’t see himself as someone who belonged in a recovery program. “I didn’t necessarily think that this place was for me,” he said of House of Refuge Sunnyslope. “That’s for somebody that has addictions.” Yet he couldn’t ignore the reality in front of him. “Ultimately,” he added, “you know, I don’t have a home.”

Coming to HRS wasn’t something Joshua planned. “I wasn’t intentionally trying to come here,” Joshua said. Through a series of connections, he arrived “completely frustrated and didn’t have any stability or anything.”

What he found was exactly what he needed.

“Just being here, acquiring that stability, being around good people—it really did a number for me in such a positive way,” Joshua said. “I was able to recoup and rebuild and just have stability. It has saved me in so many ways.”

At HRS, Joshua experienced structure, accountability, and community. “The people are definitely just inspiring your character and your attitude,” he shared. “It’s always good to have other people around you to encourage you.” Having a safe place to live mattered deeply. “Having a house, having your own room, your own amenities…that stability,” he said, “those are the things that are priceless for anyone that’s homeless.”

Joshua also began to grow financially. One practical change stood out. “Paying weekly bills actually did help a lot,” he explained. “Just having the control to know that your bills are going to get paid and having that stability has been a real highlight for me financially.”

As his life stabilized, Joshua leaned into faith, mentorship, and long-term planning. Through classes, church connections, and Christian business mentoring, he found support he plans to carry forward. “I don’t see myself ever missing a beat,” he said. “There’s just so much opportunity and growth.”

When asked to sum up his experience at House of Refuge Sunnyslope, Joshua didn’t hesitate. “Growth.”

He described HRS as “a foundation…built with solid material.” It is, he said, “a place that I will never forget,” adding that “the growth that I’ve experienced from House of Refuge Sunnyslope is going to be with me for the rest of my life.”