Gregory Campbell’s life spiraled out of control in 2003 when he crashed his automobile, under the influence of drugs, with his 7-year old son in the backseat. No longer able to deny his self-destructive and potentially harmful behavior, Gregory placed Prince in the care of relatives and entered an inpatient program for drug addicted and mentally ill veterans managed by the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

Three months later, Gregory successfully completed the program and moved to the Tulane SRO (Single Room Occupancy), a Volunteers of America residence for working adults who have overcome addiction and need support services to ensure continued success. He thrived in the stable environment — developing job skills and attending support meetings — all in preparation to live independently.

But in 2005 his progress was interrupted. Hurricane Katrina destroyed the residence and Gregory was forced to find refuge again on the streets. For nearly a year, Gregory sustained himself with random employment and low-rent housing in fallen New Orleans.

By the fall 2006, Gregory was able to find supportive shelter when The Duvernay Residence — another supportive housing complex managed by Volunteers of America — reopened its doors, thanks to generous donations from the Unity for the Homeless of Greater New Orleans (shared from a substantial gift by the nation of Qatar) and Freddie Mac. The gift supported Volunteers of America’s Coming Back Home initiative, designed to help working families and individuals return to Greater New Orleans.

Gregory accepted a job as floor manager at The Duvernay Residence and moved in. Back in a stable environment, Gregory worked with residence director Sandy Feraci and the Department of Social Services to visit and, ultimately, regain custody of Prince. Now Gregory and his son have the promise of a brighter future.