Patrick Survives Multiple Brushes with Death and Continues to Press On

Meet Patrick

Born the youngest of nine children in the San Fernando Valley, Patrick grew up in a household marked by chaos. His family, known as “hippies,” often found themselves in turbulent situations. “There was a lot of chaos in my house—cops kicking in doors, raids, fights with my brothers,” Patrick recalls. Despite his gentle nature, he was forced into constant conflict and attended nine different schools due to frequent fighting. Through it all, his love for baseball kept him grounded, offering a rare sense of stability amid the upheaval.

Patrick’s life has been shaped by both resilience and tragedy. He lost three siblings: one in a car accident in Mexico, followed by two brothers in the years after. These profound losses shaped his outlook on life. “You learn to deal with it,” he reflects. “I’ve learned to be happy for them—they just cut the line to a better place.”

Patrick’s Journey

As Patrick grew older, his path became more difficult. He held various jobs, including as a dental technician, cook, and salesman, but his life took a downward turn as he struggled with addiction and legal troubles. His involvement in crime led to a four-year prison sentence for bank robbery in his thirties. While prison gave him the chance to earn his GED and get in shape, reintegrating into society proved far more challenging. “You come out, and in a week, all the progress you made is gone,” he explains.

Patrick’s struggles continued after his release, fueled by years of addiction. He overdosed on heroin multiple times and even slipped into a coma twice. He also endured severe injuries, including a broken neck and pelvis from a motorcycle accident, and spent four years living on the streets, grappling with both physical and emotional pain.

How Harbor Care Helped Patrick

Patrick’s life took a positive turn when he discovered Harbor Care Center, which he describes as “a building full of angels.” From his first impression, Harbor Care was different, offering a compassionate environment where he found safety and support. Through housing and a secure place to heal, Patrick began to recover both physically and emotionally. He emphasizes the importance of communication with the staff, who made him feel heard and cared for throughout his journey. “They make sure you get clean, take your meds, and focus on getting well. They handle everything else,” he says with gratitude.

Patrick is now eager to give back. Inspired by the kindness and support he received; he wants to help others who face similar struggles. His advice to those considering Harbor Care: trust the staff and embrace the healing environment without the daily stress of homelessness. For Patrick, Harbor Care represents more than just recovery—it symbolizes hope and the power of compassion.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Patrick continues his journey of healing, determined to help others struggling with homelessness and addiction. Harbor Care was able to get Patrick connected to housing at the completion of his stay. He no longer has to struggle with the dangers of living on the street.