Staying Clean and Sober Through
Tough Times…

Hello, my name is Kevin Jackson and I’m a graduate of the men’s recovery program at Soul’s Harbor. This is my second time at the harbor. The first time I was here was 2014. After being clean and sober for nearly eight years, I relapsed and had to come back. Since I arrived back at the harbor on Nov.16, 2022, the process hasn’t been an easy one, especially with my many challenges. I’ve struggled with diabetes, the disease of addiction and mental health issues. The thoughts of coming back to the harbor and going through the program again was a struggle.I was unstable in every aspect of my life, and it was quite a task in regaining stability, but none of it would’ve been possible, had it not been for Soul’s Harbor. Being here has given me the opportunity to really get clean all the way across the board. Getting off the drugs and alcohol, and dealing with the underlying behavior problems that came with using. Once I started to plug into the recovery aspect of the program, day by day my life started to get better. I prayed for the ability to stand like never before. This was going to be essential in order for me to deal with what was ahead of me; death. Death started to have it’s way in my family. Eleven is the total number of my losses, including my Dad. On the same day he passed, I almost died myself from complications due to diabetes. The doctors in the emergency room told me if I hadn’t made it to the hospital when I did, then it would’ve been only a matter of time that I would’ve ended up just like my dad…deceased.This, within itself, really opened up my eyes as to how I now see life with a new perspective. I began to surrender in a whole different way, praying for not only healing, but deliverance as well. This was something in the past that I never really prayed for. As I began to get stronger, I continued to surround myself in the company of my brothers here at the harbor. These brothers really became an asset in my recovery. I opened up to them just like I opened up to God. Using the tools of recovery has really helped ease the tension in my headspace, and has given me the ability to keep drudging, “one day at a time”. I have been dealing with my mental health issues by staying clean & sober, fellowship, taking my medication, counseling and the power of prayer. I’m a true believer in the power thereof.When the grief from the deaths of my many family members started to subside, I finally started to arrive at a place in my recovery where I kinda started to breathe again without all of the depression and stress. Being here at Soul’s Harbor has been a blessing for me. I hate to even think of what my life would’ve looked like had it not my being here. Through it all, I’ve learned to fight and take a stand for what’s right, and be an example in this community as to what recovery looks like in action, and to stay clean and sober, No Matter What!Above all else, we, as recovering addicts/alcoholics, must rid ourselves of any and all excuses to use, or circumstances will only be worse if we do.I’ve been blessed to be here now seventeen months, and my Life is so much better than before. I owe it all to God and the staff here at Soul’s Harbor.My deal today is this, “if I’m not here for business, I have no business being here”.There’s a “Me” inside of “Me” that was just dying to meet “Me”, but I would have never been able to meet him, if I didn’t stay clean and sober. The harbor has given me that opportunity, and also be reconciled to both, my friends and family.Today, I’m a very grateful recovering addict that’s living life as it’s meant to be lived, and not just existing from day to day. Today, I’m not looking for a blessing, I’m just trying to be one.

Prior to Kevin returning to Soul’s Harbor he sought out recovery support and assistance from a local organization, The Association of Persons Affected by Addiction (APAA). Kevin shared a bit of his story with WFAA reporter Brittani Moncrease.

The Harbor Needs Your Help

Soul’s Harbor homeless shelter is supported solely by our four thrift stores. You can donate your household items via phone (972-286-1940) or our “Household Donation Request Form” page. We also take automobiles “Vehicle Donation Request Form“. So if you have old clothes, furniture, appliances, household items, or even a car to donate to Soul’s Harbor, either fill out our online form or call our dispatch office at 972-286-1940. Our dispatch office is open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

We are sustained solely through our four thrift store sales. We rely on your donated items to support our shelter. At Soul’s Harbor, we would like to thank all our customers that donate their items and also our thrift store customers. Because without our customers, there would be no Soul’s Harbor:

Thank you and God Bless.

Brent Burmaster
Executive Director of Soul’s Harbor Homeless Shelter

For information regarding intake/admission into our recovery facility, please contact: