Frenchy overcomes alcohol addiction

For much of his life, Frenchy thought he would die from alcoholism. Ever since he was a teenager in his native Puerto Rico, if he took one sip of alcohol, he couldn’t stop. He felt helpless.

Then, 14 years ago, his parents sent him to a residential rehab program in New York City, close to relatives. He was finally able to stop drinking, but to ensure lasting recovery, he knew he needed on-going support, a stable home, and a job.

That’s when Frenchy found Project Renewal. He moved into our Renewal House, which was New York City’s first residential and work rehabilitation program for homeless men struggling with alcohol addiction when it opened in 1970.

We helped Frenchy secure a full-time sanitation job in Times Square. Twelve months later he earned “Employee of the Year” honors and a promotion. With newfound stability and our on-going support, he had achieved long-term sobriety for the first time since he was a child.

Today, Frenchy lives in our “housing first” program, which provides apartments and counseling for individuals with substance use disorder histories, and he participates in group therapy at our Recovery Center.

“Without Project Renewal, I’d be dead or in jail,” Frenchy says. “But now I’m happy and healthy.”

Each year, more than 1,700 New Yorkers die of alcohol-related causes. But there is hope. Project Renewal is on the front lines every day. We deliver proven treatment and recovery services to our neighbors in need. You can support our work to save and renew lives, here.