Candy reaches recovery and finds permanent housing through Avivo

When Candy reflects on her life, she sees that the Candy of today is a completely different person than the Candy who first entered Avivo’s housing and treatment programs three years ago.

“I went from dealing drugs [and homeless] to going out and doing ministry now and being able to move into a nice apartment,” shares Candy.

At age 12, Candy started experimenting with weed. She had her son at 16 years old. When he was nearly five years old, she placed him with his father. After that, Candy slipped into a depression.

“My addiction just spiraled. I went through seven different treatments before I got sober,” shares Candy. “And every time I went to treatment, I didn’t do it with my faith. I did it on my own accord. And of course, I went back to the same people, places and things.”

“My addiction just spiraled. I went through seven different treatments before I got sober,” shares Candy. “And every time I went to treatment, I didn’t do it with my faith. I did it on my own accord. And of course, I went back to the same people, places and things.”

Candy’s spiral landed her in Minneapolis’ largest homeless encampment in 2018.

While she was living in the encampment, Candy first met Avivo staff when they approached her about Avivo’s housing and treatment options. She landed in the justice system and had the option to enter Avivo’s treatment programs and transitional recovery housing.

“When the people from Avivo came to me, they just showed love,” shares Candy. “I came to Avivo to get into their housing and treatment program. Their treatment program is amazing; they teach you a lot of skills and things to do… I don’t even know where I’d be without Avivo. I’d have been stuck.”

“When the people from Avivo came to me, they just showed love,” shares Candy. “I came to Avivo to get into their housing and treatment program. Their treatment program is amazing; they teach you a lot of skills and things to do… I don’t even know where I’d be without Avivo. I’d have been stuck.”

While Candy worked on recovery, Avivo staff worked to find her permanent housing. Candy also started to find her new path forward – ministry and volunteerism. They helped her secure a safe affordable apartment, coincidentally overlooking the property where the encampment was. She often reflects on her journey.

Today, you’ll find Candy visiting encampments and working closely with nonprofit organizations to provide necessities to unhoused individuals.

“I pick up meals and bring them out to the tent encampments. And these are the same people that I’ve been out there with, on the streets with for many years. They’re still my family.”

When Candy isn’t volunteering to ensure unhoused individuals get the food and support they need, she’s busy working toward earning her associate’s degree in church leadership and ministry from Grace United Bible College.

“When I think about the future, I’m definitely going to be doing evangelism. I’m going to continue to do outreach. My heart is [for] going into the deep trenches, going out to the reservations, doing more ministry. Bringing hope to people.”