Our Stories: Curtis

Finding Stability and a Second Chance

For Curtis, the road to stability wasn’t easy. There was a time when he didn’t know where he would sleep at night, when his battle with homelessness and addiction felt like an endless cycle. But today, he is housed and helps others find their way forward as a peer support specialist at Church at the Park (C@P).

C@P in Salem, Oregon, is a place of hope for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Founded by DJ Vincent, the Oregon Housing and Community Services-funded organization provides emergency shelter and a pathway to permanent housing and stability.

“C@P helped me regain my mental health,” Curtis shared. “I was out on the streets and addicted to drugs, and they put me in a safe place where I could focus and be with my kid. It really channeled everything into positivity instead of just thinking about the streets and the way I grew up.”

Curtis first arrived at C@P as a guest. At that time, he carried the weight of his past — his struggles with addiction, his experiences with the criminal justice system, and his doubts about his own future. “I was very doubtful that I would ever be able to become an employee here. But C@P took a chance on me. And I’m really blessed and grateful for that,” he said.

With the support of the organization’s staff and programs, Curtis began to rebuild his life. He engaged in wellness checks, accessed case management services, and slowly started to regain control. As he stabilized, he found himself drawn to the mission of C@P—not just as a recipient of services, but as someone who wanted to give back.

Curtis’ journey from guest to staff member wasn’t just about securing a job. It was about proving to himself—and to others—that change is possible. He started as a shift lead at the adult site, going above and beyond in his responsibilities. “You didn’t just do the minimum,” DJ Vincent, C@P’s director, told him. “You were always looking to improve what it meant to be a shift lead.”

Now, as a peer support specialist, Curtis helps others who are facing the same struggles he once experienced. One of Curtis’ responsibilities is conducting wellness checks, ensuring that the shelters remain clean and residents are following guidelines. But more importantly, these checks are opportunities to connect. “We go around, knock on their pod, let them know it’s staff, and we’re here for a wellness check,” he said. “We make sure everything is clean and livable for them. It’s about creating a safe space where people can start over.”

Curtis also helps new residents transition into the program, making sure they feel welcome. “My role is to make sure that they feel comfortable coming in and knowing that there’s somebody here to help them,” he said. “Whether they need help making appointments, finding transportation, or just knowing they have support, we’re here.”

One guest, Ruby, especially stood out to Curtis. When she first arrived, she struggled to meet the expectations of the wellness checks. “But now, since I’ve been coaching her, she hasn’t failed a wellness check,” he said proudly. “She’s been doing really well, and I’m really proud of her.”

With each shift, each conversation, and each guest he helps, Curtis is giving others the same second chance he was given.

Watch and read more on how the governor’s homelessness emergency response is transforming lives.