Carl and his co-workers turn wood into furniture. In a similar sense, Carl was a raw, unrefined man who has since been shaped into a shining example of God’s handiwork at the moment of salvation.

Carl was heavy into drugs and alcohol, habits which destroyed two marriages and family relationships, and robbed him of his possessions and freedom. He lost count of the months he was locked up in detention centers for various drug and alcohol-related offenses.

“I had a good education but threw it all out the window when I began living on the streets,” says Carl, 30. “[I was involved in] drugs, alcohol, women, violence, thug life, gangs, disobeying the law – things like that.”

Carl reached rock bottom and threatened to end his own life. His girlfriend at the time called the police and Carl was hospitalized. While still occupying a hospital room a friend recommended Carl check out Good News Ministries and it was a pivotal moment in his life. Soon after arriving at our Men’s Shelter, Carl asked Jesus Christ into his heart. As he met with his counselor Carl’s faith grew, as did his commitment to living substance-free. He’s been clean since 2019. What’s more, his driver’s license was reinstated and he landed a steady, full-time job.

Today Carl works at Purposeful Design, a faith-based Indianapolis custom furniture manufacturer that hires homeless and downtrodden men. He’s dedicated, punctual and always ready to take on additional responsibilities, says Danny Cox, Purposeful Design’s Design Manager.

“Carl has become a valued member of our team and family,” Cox says. “When he first came, we were impressed by his work ethic and have been working closely with him to help overcome an authority issue he has always struggled with.”

Recently, Carl moved into his own place with two co-workers. He regularly attends church and has volunteered time assisting an addiction recovery program. Carl gives all the credit to God and Good News. “I’m thankful for Good News,” Carl said. “If I didn’t have that place I would have been dead. They actually saved me.”