The most important thing in George Adams’ life is maintaining his sobriety. At 63 years of age, he has faced many challenges and likes to refer to those experiences in his job as a peer counselor, helping others who are newly sober or recovering from addiction. Originally from the Bronx and having lived in Yonkers for 4 7 years, George now loves the quiet, leafy section of Hartsdale where he resides in a rent-subsidized, one-bedroom apartment. He looks out his window and sees trees and flowers and finds the view comforting.
Newly sober, he had been in that apartment for only a couple of years when the combination
of losing hours at work and losing his wallet put him in a bad spot. He quickly fell behind on his rent and other monthly bills and soon felt defeated and disheartened. Most crucially, George recognized the threat this instability posed to his sobriety. Fortunately, his supervisor stepped in and reached out to The Bridge Fund for help.
George recalls, “I was in a bind, I was worried, and The Bridge Fund was very kind.” Working closely with the Westchester program was straightforward. The Bridge Fund collaborated with another agency, clearing the $2,800 that he owed
his landlord, and provided George with monthly budget counseling so he could better manage his finances. Throughdiligence and determination, George found a new job in a few months and regained his stability. “Now I’m good, employed helping people find housing,” he shares.” … Keeping my housing helped me stay sober.”
George’s gratitude shines through as he reflects on his journey: content about his current housing situation, glad to be working, and clear about what is important. “My priority now ism sobriety and giving back; it’s rewarding!”