One man's story of recovery and a fresh start
Butler resident Dave Hovis, 66, has advice for those looking down their noses at the homeless people they see around town and in the parks, because he's been there.
“They're not all bad,” Hovis said. “They made a couple left turns when they should have made right turns, that's all.”
Hovis' lifestyle of drinking and an addiction to painkillers in the 1990s led him into a downward spiral he only emerged from in recent years. He found himself sleeping in Memorial Park after wearing out his welcome with family and friends.
A few years ago, when the encroaching chilly weather made the park inhospitable and no friends would have him because of his drinking problem, Hovis visited the Center for Community Resources on South Main Street.
It was a decision that proved a turning point for Hovis.
They sent him to Grace Youth and Family Foundation on South Monroe Street, where director Bill Halle maintains a seasonal shelter that provides overnight accommodation to the homeless.
After a few winters at Halle's facility and a rough stint in a veteran's home where temptations to revert to his old lifestyle were many, Hovis worked with Veterans Affairs to find his small apartment on South Main Street.
It's not a palace, but Hovis loves his home. He feeds the birds and squirrels and tends a few tomato plants off his front porch.
His advice to any homeless person is to simply walk into any church and ask for help.
Read more of Hovis' story in Sunday's Butler Eagle.Want to help Butler County's homeless?Many opportunities for county residents to help the homeless are coming in November, which is Homeless Awareness Month in Butler County.Until then, monetary, food, bedding, and sometimes, furniture donations are accepted at the CCR office at 212—214 S. Main St. Cunningham said donors should call the office at 724-431-0095 before bringing donations to the office.
