Annmarie, Hello House for Women resident, shares her story...

“I was 32, and my entire life started going downhill," remembers Annmarie.  "I was in an abusive relationship and I hated myself so much I couldn’t stand to look in the mirror.”  One day when a friend came over to smoke pot, Annmarie's life took a very dangerous turn.  The friend showed up with a bag of heroin.  “I just took the bag and snorted the whole thing," says Annmarie.  "Within three months I was shooting heroin and coke." Annmarie fought to put the needle down but eventually started using Oxycontin and Percocet.  Her drug habit eventually led to homelessness.  During this period, Annmarie’s 18 year old daughter disappeared for a month.   Lost in her own drug frenzy, Annmarie had no idea her daughter was also a drug addict.  Annmarie’s daughter received help for her addiction at Hello House.  “I saw what this house did for my daughter and she was my inspiration to get clean," she says.  "Hello House taught me to open my eyes and see that I have choices.  The support they give is amazing because they know exactly what you are going through.  When you come here you’re broken, but they know how to fix you.”