The World Health Organization warns that mental illness will triple in the coming years. That means more addiction. More homelessness. More families shattered.

I know what that looks like, because I lived it. I was mentally ill, hooked on fentanyl, grieving the loss of my mom to substance abuse. I ended up homeless, in and out of jail, and drowning in pain. I’d lost all hope. I know the sting of being treated like nothing, like dirt under someone’s shoe.

I’ll never forget the faces, the places, the moments burned into my memory. One stands out above the rest.

I’d just gotten out of jail with nowhere to go when a man named Scott Laos took me in. Scott was known in Tucson, AZ as a good man, a devoted father who lost his 14-year-old son in a tragic accident while he was riding his bike on the sidewalk. Out of his grief, Scott built a skate park to keep other kids safe. But over time, his own pain became too heavy, and fentanyl got its hooks in him.

Scott was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. While the world turned its back on him, labeling him “just another addict”, he didn’t turn his back on me. He gave me shelter, safety, and dignity. He treated me like his own son, telling me stories of the boy he lost, always trying to help others despite his own battles.

I’ll never forget the day he died. My friend held him in his arms. Scott’s last words were: “Don’t let me go. Hold me.”

That’s why I can’t stand how society gives up on people when they’re at their lowest. Nobody wakes up one day and decides to be addicted or homeless. Something happened, trauma, abuse, loss, grief. These people are fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. And they deserve a chance to come back.

Scott made a difference in my life. Now I want to do the same, for him, for my mom, and for every soul still out there suffering.

I wrote a recovery memoir called Recovery and Truth, for people like Scott, for my mom, and maybe for you. It’s my story of hitting rock bottom and finding the light again. It’s raw, honest, and unfiltered, full of shame, guilt, love, grief, and awakening. It’s also a blueprint for recovery and spiritual transformation, with practical tools, hard-won lessons, and ancient wisdom you won’t hear from the media.

It’s coming soon to Amazon and Barnes & Noble, but I want it in the hands of people who need it, especially those who can’t afford it or don’t know where to turn. That’s why I’m asking for your help. It’s very expensive to publish a book on paperback. I’m only starting this journey and getting my foot in the door working at a rehab. I’d love to be able to share this book for free with everyone. Dropping it off at bus stops, rehabs and mental health facilities. Sometimes all people need is for someone to understand. My story will show people they are not alone in this, giving them inspiration and hope. If I can recovery , anyone can.

My life’s purpose now is to serve, put money back into the community, create new spiritual recovery programs, and help the forgotten get back on their feet.

If this moves you, donate now. Help me help others. Let’s bring people home again.

Thank you for reading.

—Joseph

photo of Scott Laos

Father of 14-year-old killed in crash opens bike park in son’s memory

only photo I have of my mom and I