For over a decade, I lived in addiction, alcoholism, and homelessness.
I was completely lost—hooked on anything I could get my hands on, sleeping outside in front of liquor stores, panhandling just to get my next drink or fix. I didn’t care about life anymore. I used to pray for death on that sidewalk. I was tired, broken, and couldn’t see a way out.
But one day, my prayer changed. I didn’t pray to die—I prayed for help. I cried out to God and asked Him to show me a way out. I didn’t know it then, but that prayer was the beginning of everything.
Not long after, I got into a fight over a drink. And that’s when God answered—not with a gentle hand, but with handcuffs. I was thrown in jail, detoxing, shaking, sick, and ashamed. But I was alive. I was sober. I was fed. I had a bed. And for the first time in years, I had time to sit still, think, and cry out to God again.
That’s where everything changed.
When I came out of the detox, I was done. Completely done. I quit everything—alcohol, drugs, even cigarettes. I gave it all up that day, and I give all the glory to God. He delivered me, and I haven’t looked back.
I spent the next 20 months in prison, and I used every single day of it to grow. I prayed. I studied. I listened. I healed. And in the quiet of that cell, I learned that God had been with me the whole time—before I was born, in every dark alley, every jail cell, every fight, every failure. But it wasn’t until I surrendered that I could finally feel His presence and accept His grace.
When I got out, I was determined to start fresh.
The moment I was released, I started rebuilding. I got my ID. Then my driver’s license. I graduated the halfway house program, found a place of my own, and eventually got a car—a reliable, low-mileage vehicle that I worked hard for. I’ve gone from having nothing—not even shoes on my feet—to becoming a stable, tax-paying, productive member of society. All of this without ever missing a single day of work.
Since January 27, 2022, I’ve stayed sober, stayed focused, and showed up for my life in every way. After my release in September 2023, I’ve taken every job I could get. I’ve worked in warehouses, manufacturing, production—sometimes with no tools, no experience, no safety net. But I learned quickly, showed up early, stayed late, and gave it everything I had. I’ve had perfect attendance. I’ve earned the respect of every supervisor I’ve worked under. I’ve proven myself over and over again.
But no matter how hard I work, no matter how much I’ve changed—my background keeps shutting the door on me.
[Several] companies offered to hire me based on performance and character—only to be forced to say no once my background came back…
These are warehouses I was allowed to work at through temporary staffing services—because that’s the only way in. Direct hire was never an option once the background checks came through.
I’ve been with [a new company] since August 2024, coming up on a year now, and I still haven’t missed a day. But I live with the fear that if they try to hire me directly, policy might block it. I’d be back on the outside, chasing another temp job, starting over, hoping just to be seen again. And I’m tired. But I’m still holding on.
And I will keep holding on—because I know God’s got me. But I don’t take that to mean I just sit back and wait. I believe that when God’s got you, He gives you the strength, the discipline, and the tools to keep going—and sometimes, like now, He gives you an outlet like this to tell your story. Maybe it touches someone’s heart. Maybe it lands in the right hands. Either way, I know He’s in control, and I’m doing my part.
And here’s the part that hurts the most: I can’t even apply to have my record sealed for 10 years. Ten years before I can legally petition for a second chance on paper—even though I’ve already earned it in real life.
I’m not asking for sympathy. I’m not looking for a handout. I’m just asking for one chance—a real chance—with a company that’s willing to see past a mistake and look at the man I’ve become.
I want to stay somewhere long-term. I want to build, grow, move up, and retire with pride. I want stability, respect, and a wage I can live on and be able to build a foundation with. I want to make a difference in the workplace and in the world.
So if you’re in a position to hire—or you know someone who is—I hope you’ll look beyond my past and see my present. You can call the Reno Ambassadors—people like Danielle or Juan, who knew me when I was still on the street. They’ve literally saved my life more than once. They’ve called ambulances for me. They’ve prayed for me. They’ve watched my transformation from near death on the sidewalk to who I am today—and they’ll tell you without hesitation that I’m one of their greatest success stories.
You can also call my current and past supervisors. Ask about my attendance. Ask about my work ethic. Ask about my attitude. I promise you’ll hear the same thing: I’m worth the chance.
And to those who are struggling right now, in addiction, on the street, or behind bars—know this: God can turn anything around. If He can rescue me, clean me up, and give me purpose again, He can do the same for you. But you have to surrender.
Thank you for reading. This isn’t just my story. It’s my testimony. And I hope it reaches someone who can open a door I’ve been fighting to get through.
Sincerely,
Don Hamby
Sparks, Nevada
donhamby8@gmail.com”
Our Town Reno, Citizen’s Forum, July 2025