John Freeman will be celebrating three years as a resident of the ACOF community in April of 2020. This is the longest span of adult housing that John has received.
Prior to joining ACOF, John lived on the streets and parks of Los Angeles for almost 15 years before finding a permanent home and community with ACOF.
John’s homelessness was a direct result of years of substance abuse. In the winter of 2018, John was diagnosed with a life-threatening heart disease caused by his untreated addictions. Having been connected to services due to his health condition, he received assistance which helped John secure a permanent home with ACOF.
Looking back, John has found that it was necessary to first escape from the streets before being able to approach and maintain a sober and healthy lifestyle. John will be celebrating two years of sobriety in February 2020.
Looking back, John has found that it was necessary to first escape from the streets before being able to approach and maintain a sober and healthy lifestyle. John will be celebrating two years of sobriety in February 2020.
What “Commuity” means to John
“Within a community, there are friends, acquaintances and yes, adversaries. A true community should be inclusive, not exclusive.
What is it that brings about cohesion within a diverse community? I would answer; respect, tolerance, understanding and forgiveness. This is a practice that comes easier to some more than others. There are older siblings and younger siblings; no matter the age. Which one am I in any given situation? We all have a chance to lead and follow.
Respect is a basic expression of love. We all love and want to be loved. Respect allows us to love those that we may not care for very much. It also helps build a foundation that is relational for those that we may be fond of. Friendship is a practice as well.
Being an integral part of my community enables me to practice principles that not only better myself, but the very community that I am a part of.”
