By Evan Leary, former CCEH client currently in recovery housing
*Evan gave us permission to use his name, stating, “I want to break the stigmas and face my truths head-on. Maybe it’ll help others.” We want to thank Evan for his candor and his willingness to share his story with us.
Growing up in Concord was truly a blessing. My childhood was shaped by this city—playing baseball at Grappone Park, skating with the Concord Capitals, hearing the roar of the Everett Arena crowd during high school games, and fielding ground balls on Doane Diamond. Concord gave me everything I needed to build a foundation for my future. I went on to earn a college degree and build a meaningful career for more than a decade.
Like many people, my relationship with substances changed over time. What began as casual use eventually became dependence, and over the years I found myself struggling in ways I never expected. Five years later, I returned to Concord not because everything had fallen apart, but because I needed safety, familiarity, and a place to try again.
My experience with homelessness wasn’t linear or predictable. What helped me move toward stability and recovery came in small, human moments:
I was hungry enough that asking for help became more important than feeling embarrassed.
The Resource Center and the Friendly Kitchen offered warmth, community, and connection.
That connection created a spark of hope—and the courage to be honest with myself.
When I was ready, that honesty helped me accept support from a recovery program.
In recovery, I heard messages that helped me believe change was possible.
Staying sober made it possible for me to move into a Sober Living House, where I work to maintain stability and pay my rent each week.
The Friendly Kitchen and the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness played life-changing roles in my journey. They met me with dignity and compassion at a time when I needed both. I am deeply grateful for them, and for the Concord community that supports this work.
Understanding What Support Can Look Like
Many people want to help their neighbors who are unhoused. You’ll see individuals in familiar places in Concord, often trying to meet their immediate needs. While some people choose to give cash, there are other forms of support that can be especially helpful:
- Warm socks and underwear
- Hand warmers
- Batteries
- Hygiene items
- Simple, easy-to-carry food
- Trash bags to help keep campsites cleaner
A Community Challenge We All Share
Concord, like many communities, experiences the challenges of homelessness in visible ways. When encampments shift from one area to another, it reflects a larger issue: without long-term solutions and stable housing, people are forced to move from place to place.
CCEH’s winter shelter offers a safe space out of the cold, with guidelines that prioritize safety and dignity. The Resource Center provides case management, coffee, toast, and access to basic needs.
Supporting these efforts strengthens the entire community and helps create pathways to stability.
Ways You Can Make an Impact
- Financial donations of any size
- Gifts of appreciated assets
- Non-perishable food donations to your local food pantry or soup kitchen
- Partnering as a business or contractor
- Volunteering your time
Compassion comes in many forms, and every contribution matters.
A Message of Hope
One of the most important things you can offer someone experiencing homelessness is simple recognition: a moment of kindness, a sentence of support, a reminder that they matter.
A single sentence once made a difference in my life:
“It’s okay to not be okay. You are not alone.”
Together, we can lift each other up and bring hope to those who need it most. You can’t spell community without unity—and Concord is strongest when we show up for one another.
