Success Stories
Mark Davis
Construction Superintendent
My father was an alcoholic, so I more or less raised myself. This also taught me not to be an alcoholic. I first stayed at St. Matthew's House for a couple of months in the mid-90's due to homelessness. Then I came back in November 2008 for basically the same reason. My ex-girlfriend was on drugs and I confronted her about that. By Thanksgiving I had had enough. I had to get away, and St. Matt's welcomed me with open arms. In the meantime my daughter's mother took her to Ohio for six months, but St. Matthew's House kept me strong during that time. I had raised her for six months, then her mother took her away for six months. But then I got her back due to the mother's indifference. She went to jail for attacking me with a pair of scissors, so I got custody. When folks lose their children, you have to have hope that you'll see them again. My little daughter Mandy is my miracle, my life, everything. I stayed here for about a month or so, and it was a chance to build a new life. I was running away from a situation. I didn't have any drug problems, but I had to live and learn. I had to work out of the labor pool, learning different trades. My stay at St. Matthew's House led to a future with a great job and a great place to live. I want to give folks hope. I stuck in there and didn't give up. I had to fight for my child, but I didn't give up. It's a Cinderella story and it all turned out very well. God has worked miracles for me.