Before becoming homeless five years ago, Berens lived a typical middle-class life. He graduated with honors from college and worked full-time. Berens’ normal life turned into chaos when his mother, for whom he cared, died. Berens had no support system to help him through the grief and loneliness he felt. He turned to alcohol, and later, drugs.

But he couldn’t continue on his self-destructive path for long. After losing his job and house because of his drug addiction, Berens found himself in a place he had never dreamed of. “I never in a million years thought I would be homeless,” he said.

During this difficult time, Catholic Charities provided Berens with shelter and supportive services to help him regain his stability. He moved through the housing continuum — from emergency shelters at Dorothy Day Center and Mary Hall to transitional and, eventually, permanent housing.

"This is Going to Pass"
Despite his difficult circumstances, Berens never gave up hope. “I kept telling myself, whether it takes six months or six years, I am going to achieve my goals. Even sleeping on the floor of the Dorothy Day Center, I told myself, this is going to pass.”

Berens faced his challenges with courage. He began attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Every day was spent “frantically looking for work.”

“It’s hard to find a job when you’re carrying your belongings around all day — and you have no transportation, no permanent address, no phone number,” said Berens, grateful that the temporary job he started four years ago has since become permanent.

With steady income, Berens now stays at Catholic Charities’ St. Christopher Place. But, he has his mind set on a new goal — his own apartment.