This document discusses partnerships between faith-based communities and the City of Virginia Beach to address homelessness and substance abuse. It shares the stories of Adriane and Tim, who struggled with mental health issues, domestic violence, and substance abuse but were able to get treatment and support through Virginia Beach programs. It encourages collaborations in other communities to define problems, identify existing organizations serving those in crisis, and provide toolkits for clergy to get involved. The document aims to showcase how faith-based partnerships can help people facing homelessness and substance abuse issues.

1. CIT Driven Partnerships with the Faith Based Community to Address Homelessness and Substance Abuse

8. Adriane’s Story

9. As a child I was treated unkindly and told I was worthless. I first attempted suicide at age 13.

10. As an adult, I married, and for 19 years, lived with emotional abuse and physical and sexual violence. I took my vows seriously and believed “till death do us part”. My family never knew.

12. I was paralyzed on my left side. I thought I was having a stroke. The hospital could find nothing physically wrong and referred me to Emergency Services in the MHSA division. I was not diagnosed as having a mental illness until I was 38 years old.

13. I have participated in the trauma group, MESA (Mutual Education Support and Advocacy) classes, the medication management program and have received psychiatric treatment. It took me seven years to get well.

14. I came out of that dark hole and want to help others. TodayAdriane is a Wellness Recovery Action Plan Facilitator

15. Tim's Story

16. I am a 33-year-old man who started to use drugs when I was 15. Until recently, my life was defined by my habit.

17. My habit was out of control. I was breaking the law to support a $300 a day heroin addiction. My probation officer referred me to the City of Virginia Beach’s outpatient day program.

18. For me, recovery was a full-time job. At Magic Hollow, I gained many "tools" to succeed. I still use them today.

20. Part of my recovery has been to “pay it forward." Sometimes, it is as simple as sharing my story, and I appreciate the opportunity to do so.

22. I've been in recovery for about 5 years. I got married. I have a steady job. I buried both my parents. I secured my first mortgage. I earned my bachelor's degree.

23. All these circumstances, in the past, could and would have caused me to use (heroin). But through God's grace and the lessons learned, I am substance-free.

24. I owe my life to Virginia Beach’s day treatment program.

25. COLLABORATION

26. COMMUNITY

27. HOW TO GET STARTED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

28. Define The Problem!

29. WHAT ARE YOUR COMMUNITY’S UNMET NEEDS?

30. Who Do You Know In Your Community who Is a Major Participant in Serving those in Crisis?

31. Are There Existing Coalitions?

32. How Can You Identify More Organizations To Participate?

33. TOOLKIT FOR CLERGY

34. QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?

35. For more information, contact Barbara Trainor, Virginia Beach CIT Administrator757.385.0501btrainor@vbgov.com