Longing to Belong: Devin's Story

The deepest desire of any heart is to be loved. It’s what Devin craved more than anything. 

As a child, Devin’s happy, love-filled home shattered when he was just 8 years old. 

“I was woken by both parents, drunk in full battle with one another, tearing clothes, throwing dishes.” 

In that terrifying moment, Devin’s sense of safety and stability crumbled. “My whole life changed. That’s where survival mode kicked in, and I realized I had to take care of me.” 

Soon after, Devin’s parents divorced. His father went through multiple other marriages. “I grew up with stepmoms. They were nothing but live-in babysitters to me. I closed off and didn’t let anybody in.” 

Devin learned love wasn’t something he could count on. Real love wouldn’t last. 

For the next four decades, Devin kept his heart closed off. The only problem was, the longer Devin’s heart stayed locked away, the lonelier and more desperate he became. 

Drugs took some edge off Devin’s lonely desperation. But soon, addiction led him to a dead-end road. “I had one foot in the grave and one foot in the street. I was homeless … I had two failed marriages and lost opportunities.” 

Devin had nothing and no one, and death seemed like his only option. “I made three suicide attempts and hated me.” But something — or someone — seemed to intervene, in what Devin describes as “divine circumstances.” 

“All I can say is that there was a transaction between me and the Lord that I can’t explain. I felt I either had to make a choice to live or die. To seek something else and surrender.” 

Not much longer after that miraculous moment, Devin was introduced to the Men’s Recovery Program at Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission. “I just felt that was my direction. And I was making a choice to live.”

YOU’RE GIVING A PATH TO A NEW LIFE 

The path to a changed life certainly wasn’t easy, but Devin began seeing fruit as he followed the Lord’s leading. At the Mission, Devin deepened his relationship with God. He allowed himself to be mentored, counseled, and befriended by brothers in Christ. 

“Enjoying a meal together, having conversations, created a place in my heart where it was natural to become close to other men.” 

After graduating from the Men’s Recovery Program and completing his internship, Devin emerged from the Mission fully changed. He experienced a metamorphosis. Now, Devin is dedicated to a life of purpose. 

“I started volunteering with the Mission to give back. I became part of a church. I’m a case manager now helping guys on the same path.” 

Today, Devin’s heart is filled with friendship, faith, and God’s love — the only things that can really satisfy. And he’s sharing these blessings with other men who are lost. Thank you for helping Devin find a path to a new life AND purpose.

YOU HELP PEOPLE STEP INTO A LIFE OF PURPOSE 

During the last two years, the number of graduates from our men and women’s recovery programs has nearly quadrupled. To build a thriving life off the streets, these graduates need long-term support. When trials come their way, our Aftercare Program helps keep them on track. 

Community groups, job training, access to college classes and continuing education, and counseling give graduates support as they step into a life of purpose. Because of your giving, 78% of these graduates remain sober, employed, and housed two years later. 

Thank you for fueling changes that last!