Douglas Robertson became homeless in 1995. Although his family tried to help him, his drug addiction made it impossible.  During the winter of 1998, Mr. Robertson was arrested on suspicion of selling drugs and taken to jail. He was released late the same evening, but it was too cold to stay outside. He ended up at Blair Shelter for Men and stayed there off and on. Mr. Robertson ended up getting sent to jail in 2005 and released in 2009. He was sent to a rehabilitation facility in Washington, DC, for 90 days. Afterward, he was sent to Blair, now a transitional housing program for men.

While at Blair, Mr. Robertson enrolled in a Home Health Aide Program sponsored by the Department of Human Services. He graduated and received a certificate of completion in September 2010. He became employed at Capital Home Health Care and stayed with them for ten years. He is currently employed with Georgetown Home Health Care.

Mr. Robertson moved into the Coalition’s Sherman Avenue Single Room Occupancy (SRO). He was hired as a Resident Manager in 2015. According to Mr. James Freeny, Director of Operations, Mr. Robertson was a model resident and demonstrated leadership qualities. Sherman Avenue SRO is for men who were once homeless and have shown they can live independently.

Mr. Robertson says recovery looks different for everyone. He says that keeping a job, having money in his pocket, and showing up to spend time with his 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren makes him content and happy. When asked what advice he would give to others struggling, he replied, “Ask for help and stay focused.” The Coalition wishes Mr. Robertson continued success and happiness.