Wayne is a 49 year old male who found his way to Odyssey III in the winter of 2008. Wayne had become homeless after he lost his job as a maintenance technician at an apartment complex. As he struggled with the hardship of homelessness, Wayne began using crack cocaine in order to cope. As Wayne was also struggling with mental illness, he fell deeper into homelessness and further away from his family and friends, who were unable to reach him in his depression. After enrolling into Odyssey III Safe Haven -Homeless Recovery program, Wayne began focusing on recovery. Wayne became an active participant in the 12-Step process and group discussions. He also took responsibility for maintaining his prescription drug therapy and outpatient treatment for his mental illness. After he completed the 30-day program, Wayne began reconnecting with his family and impressed them with his newly minted confidence and clarity. He remarked, "I learned to live without drugs. I experienced a spiritual awakening. I have joined a church for the first time in my life." In the spring of 2009, Wayne's family called upon him to rejoin them in their business, a restaurant where other families and friends can gather to celebrate their successes.

Dorothy is a 57 year old female who enrolled into Odyssey III Women's Transitional Housing on 12/10/08. Dorothy is a single woman with no minor children. Dorothy became homeless after a decrease in work hours and wages. She reported that her lack of sufficient income led to her homelessness. Dorothy attempted to live with her adult son temporarily; however, he became unemployed and he was unable to afford their housing. Dorothy stated that her son went to live with some of his friends leaving her homeless. For the first time in life, Dorothy was experiencing homelessness and forced to ask strangers on the street where to find shelter. Upon entering Odyssey III Women's Transitional Housing program, Dorothy had maintained employment with Kohl Stores. She immediately began participating in weekly case management session with case manager and identified goals of permanent and more gainful employment. Her employment with Kohl was part time. Therefore, Dorothy participated in One Stop Workforce via Odyssey III and she began searching for more gainful employment. She developed a budget plan and a hosting plan to secure permanent housing. Dorothy was referred to the Achor Center for permanent housing for older person. Dorothy was accepted into the Achor Center program and secured a two bedroom town home in Atlanta. This program allows Dorothy to pay 30% of her income in monthly rent, as well as, offers supportive case management. Furthermore, she also utilized services from the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta to obtain beds and other household items for her new apartment unit. Dorothy exited Odyssey III on March 16, 2009 and since that time she has secured full time employment with Wal-Mart Stores as a merchandise supervisor. She continues to maintain her employment and is enjoying her new home.

Ev'ette is a 45 year old female who enrolled into Odyssey III Women's Transitional Housing on 10/23/08. Ev'ette is a single woman with no minor children. Ev'ette became homeless after numerous years of substance abuse and unemployment. She reported that she had been homeless "on and off for the past 20 years." Prior to enrolling into Odyssey III, Ev'ette completed substance abuse treatment and she had successfully maintained 9 months of sober living. Upon entering Odyssey III Women's Transitional Housing program, Ev'ette completed the One Stop Workforce and she immediately began participating in weekly case management session with case manager and identified goals of permanent and more gainful employment. Ev'ette also indicated her desire to pursue her GED, but she would defer that goal until after completing the OWTH program. Meanwhile Ev'ette searched for employment and attended NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings and submits to random drug screens. She was successful with securing full time employment with Initial Contract Services (ICS) located at the Atlanta Airport. While working the "graveyard shift," Ev'ette was able to develop a budget plan and began conducting a housing search during the daytime hours. In conjunction with her Atlanta Airport employee discount, Ev'ette was able to secure an apartment in College Park, GA. Her case manager made additional referrals to Project Community Connection, Inc. (PCCI) and the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta for Ev'ette to obtain 1st month's rental assistance and beds and other household items, respectively for her new apartment unit. Ev'ette exited Odyssey III on January 17, 2009 and since that time she has enrolled into GED classes and celebrated over one year of sobriety. She continues to maintain her employment and she is enjoying her new home.