Stable Housing Leads to Life Change

June 9, 2026

Meeting Leonard, a kind, quiet-spoken, and sincere man, one would never have imagined the life he lived before. But then, we cannot really know another person’s story simply by looking at them. Raised in Yuma, AZ, Leonard grew up in a tumultuous home, where his parents’ drug and alcohol abuse shaped much of his early life experiences. As soon as he was old enough, he “escaped” to Phoenix and eventually married his wife, Nancy. For a time, they were happy. They raised a family, Leonard was stably employed, and all was good. But when cancer took his beloved bride of 15 years, Leonard was left juggling his work, and the care of two young children alone. He continued to soldier through until they left to start their own careers and families. Now completely alone, Leonard fell into a deep depression, eventually losing his job and housing. For seven long years he would fight his own demons of alcoholism while literally living under a bridge. Fortunately, Leonard’s story doesn’t end there.

After being outreached for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH), Leonard entered one of ABC/HOM’s PSH programs, becoming one of our longest successfully housed members. Since being housed, Leonard has achieved and maintained his sobriety for 19 years. Having housing has enabled him to care for both his physical and mental well-being. Over the years, Leonard has found purpose by volunteering for the Salvation Army and St. Vincent De Paul, being involved in a local church, participating in ABC’s Tenant Advisory Council Meetings and caring for his furry little shadow, his dog Sandy. Leonard, thank you for sharing your story. You remain an inspiration to us all!