Steve’s Journey: From Homelessness to Hope

At The Carpenter’s Arms, we see incredible transformations every day. So we’d like to introduce you to Steve—a man whose journey from addiction and homelessness to stability and hope is nothing short of inspiring.

Steve grew up in the Valleys of South Wales, spending much of his life caught between homelessness and prison, battling addiction from the age of 13. “I’ve been in prison around 17 times for different offences,” he recalls. “Before coming to The Carpenter’s Arms, I was sleeping rough in a multi-storey car park, surviving on food banks.”

His turning point came when a man from a local church reached out to help. After an initial missed opportunity, Steve found himself outside a church, waking up to the same man standing over him with an offer: “They told me they were taking me to The Carpenter’s Arms rehab centre. I knew this was my chance.”

*Sleeping rough, trapped in addiction, and without hope.*

*One year and 25 days sober, full of confidence, and stepping into a new chapter.*

On February 2, 2024, Steve arrived at Phase 1 with nothing but the clothes on his back. He spent 20 days detoxing, then transitioned to Phase 2, where he stayed for 12 weeks, working through his recovery. During this time, he also received a full set of new teeth, which became a turning point in his confidence. “It boosted my self-esteem massively—I finally felt like I could smile again.”

By May 23, 2024, Steve moved into Phase 3 and started volunteering with us—his first experience of work. “I’d never had a job before in my life. Having a bed to sleep in, a place to call home, and money for food meant the world to me.”

Now, one year and 25 days sober, Steve is preparing for the next step—moving into supported living. “I’m about to start a new chapter. For the first time, I have real hope for the future.”

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We first shared Steve’s story in our newsletter, and his journey is just one of many incredible transformations happening at The Carpenter’s Arms. If you’d like to hear more inspiring stories like this, as well as updates on our projects and ways to get involved, make sure to sign up for our newsletter.

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When I left the Military, I had problems in my marriage and was a victim of domestic abuse. I totally lost it and turned to alcohol. The Carpenter’s Arms were willing to take me on and knowing they were signed up to The Armed Forces Covenant was a big thing for me. I have grown with the programme, and I have now got self-worth. I wake up every morning thankful. I’m blessed.

Brian, resident

As a magistrate, I see the devastation of addiction to a person’s life, as well as their family and friends, when they end up in the Court system. The Carpenter’s Arms offers an opportunity, strategies and support to face and overcome addiction, and turn people’s lives around. It offers people hope at their lowest ebb to gain self-confidence and self-worth which are invaluable gifts.

Mrs Henrietta Chubb JP, High Sheriff of Leicestershire

I got out of prison on the 14th of December 2017 and went straight to The Carpenter's Arms and felt the labels go. My first clean test in 24 years felt amazing. I had never seen my little girls through clean eyes. It was overwhelming! All the victories that were coming for me just for being in this place.

Garry, resident

I’ve known The Carpenter's Arms now for several years and it's great to see the way in which they have grown. What they've done in terms of supporting the defence community has been extraordinary. They show such great enthusiasm and such an ability to reach into people's lives.

Bruce Spencer, MoD Employer Engagement Director for the East Midlands

Before my arrival at the Carpenter's Arms, I was lost in a very dark place, haunted by past memories, suppressed by the use of drink and drugs. A local Christian charity recommended The Carpenter's Arms and I was thrown another lifeline and my hope was restored. My spirit, body and soul have been renewed, and I have re-established family connections and built bridges I once burnt.

Bradley, resident

The Carpenter’s Arms is one of our alliance charities working in the area of addiction. We draw on their understanding of what's going on, and their work and solutions for people living with addiction. It helps support our policy and working forward to sustainable living and aspirations in life after addiction.

Steve Meadwell, Regional Manager (Midlands), Centre for Social Justice

I have been suffering from mental health for over 10 years and was addicted to crack, cocaine, cannabis, and steroids. My life was unmanageable. My life has changed completely and I’ve been able to see my son again. I was lost and broken and now I am blessed. I am now a House Dad in phase 3 and I’ve been put on the Pathways as a Support Worker.

Blake, resident

I'm the trustee of the Carpenter's Arms and, this year, I’m also the Mayor of Charnwood. I first met Brian and Judith when I was a Magistrate Chairman of the Drug Rehabilitation Committee. The most rewarding experience was when I finished sitting on the bench and watched the amazing successes at The Carpenter’s Arms in capacity as a trustee. To sit and listen to the clients tell their stories, what they have done and how they have come out the other side with new beginnings, I think for me is the most rewarding. The court couldn’t do it, but The Carpenter's Arms did.

Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, Mayor of Charnwood and trustee of The Carpenter’s Arms

After years of hard drug addiction and causing a lot of pain and suffering for myself and my loved ones, I walked through the doors of the Carpenter's Arms. In the space of a few weeks, I started to see and think more clearly and within months my life had changed drastically for the better. I can't thank the Carpenter's Arms enough for giving me a second chance at life.

Marcus, resident

I've been an alcoholic for 3 years. Whilst it has been a challenge at The Carpenter's Arms, I have been clean for 1 month, have more energy and motivation to do things. A routine has helped me a lot, as well as being able to be around people which has helped me speak more easily. I am excited to go back to work and see my family more.

Rob, resident

I was a broken man after 16 years addicted to heroin and crack, with no confidence or self-worth. Through coming to the Carpenter's Arms, I have been able to break free from my addiction, have learnt how to love myself, how to treat others and how to deal with everyday life without drugs. I am now happily married with 6 beautiful kids and have had a job for the last 6 years.