HopeStories.ca - Verissimo's Story

To the outsider he appeared to function normally. But behind the scenes, Verissimo was a full-blown cocaine addict. Once a successful businessman earning six figures, he never dreamed he would be homeless at age 42.

Verissimo, known to his peers as trucker, grew up in a drug-infested community in the heart of Toronto. He smoked his first joint at age nine on a dare. What followed was 26 years of drug abuse and criminal behaviour.

When I owned my trucking company my cocaine use escalated, says Verissimo. The drug kept me hyper and awake for four to five days at a time so I could make quicker deliveries.

I eventually met a girl, had a son and stayed clean for five years. Then we separated. My son went with his mother. I was devastated. I couldnt cope and fell back into my crack cocaine abuse. The drug made me feel like superman—like I could handle anything.

I started to hang out with shady people. Before long, I was involved in criminal activity. This led to a conviction and I was sent to Torontos Don Jail. For four and a half years I lived in a three-foot-wide cell.

When I was released I was homeless. I had nothing and no one to turn to. My family had abandoned me years ago. While in prison, I was told of The Salvation Armys Turning Point, an addiction and rehabilitation program for men. I was familiar with the address. It was a shelter for the homeless in my old neighbourhood.

I called my sister for help, something I had never done before. I was crying uncontrollably. Please help me, Im homeless. She agreed to take me to the shelter. I was now in a safe environment and on a treatment plan.

In May 2009, I was one year clean. I returned to school and am a certified welder. I replaced my bad friends with good ones. Every chance I get I direct another addict to The Salvation Army shelter. There is hope behind those doors.

I didnt set out to be an addict or a criminal. I just wanted a thrill and to feel part of the crowd. I didnt expect the lifelong misery that followed. I was a low-life when I walked through the doors of The Salvation Army, yet they treated me with dignity and respect.

The Salvation Army helped me turn my dream of a new life into reality.

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