Meet Sam Shon!
My name is Sam Shon, I’m 39 years old, single, and have no children. I came to Community House on Broadway in Longview after experiencing three years of homelessness in Fife, WA, addicted to drugs. Every day was a struggle to find food, stay warm, and find a place to rest. I felt completely hopeless.
For 10 years, I battled addiction to opioids, which cost me everything and everyone I cared about. My addiction destroyed relationships and trust with the people who mattered most in my life. Overdosing for the second time was a wake-up call; I realized I needed help, but I still didn’t know where to start or how to seek help. My life was completely unmanageable.
Eventually, I was arrested on a DOC warrant and transported from Tacoma to Longview. After being released, I had nowhere to go. Someone suggested Community House on Broadway, and that’s where my journey to recovery began.
At the Community House, I have been provided with warm meals, a safe roof over my head, and services that have truly turned my life around. These include Mental Health Counseling, SUD sessions, Peer Support, and opportunities to pursue education and work toward my goals. With the encouragement and full support of everyone here, I am now enrolled in college, pursuing a degree in IT.
The Mental Health Services have helped me process old traumas that I never thought I’d be able to talk about. Through my SUD sessions, I’ve learned essential coping skills to manage triggers and navigate everyday challenges. My Peer Support Specialist, Tise, has been a constant source of encouragement by always being genuine and honest with me, even when it’s hard to hear.
Supportive Employment, led by Nikkea, has been crucial in helping me build my resume and secure a job at Lower Columbia College, where I am also a student. My Case Manager, Jane, ensures I stay accountable by helping me manage my savings, comply with rules, and provide guidance to keep me on track.
“The staff at the Community House have been nothing short of amazing. I deeply appreciate every one of them for their full support and belief in me. To anyone considering reaching out for help—or even to my past self—I’d say, “It’s never too late. If you truly want change, it is possible.”
-Sam