Curtis’ Story

“It Ain’t Going to Stop Me!” – Persevering After Helene

More than 100,000 homes in WNC were seriously damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Helene, and many folks are struggling to find a new place to live.

Curtis knows all about being without a home. For 40 years this Army Veteran lived in the woods, afraid of interacting with people and struggling with an addiction to alcohol. One day, he decided to make a change.

He says, “My problem was isolation. Being around people scares me to death.” But he decided to persevere. “I had to find out about me, what is triggering me, handle my life, get my license and stop drinking.”

After completing a recovery program in Black Mountain, Curtis entered Buncombe County’s Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) where he found a host of mental health, addiction, trauma, behavioral, and psychosocial services, and support for veterans facing non-violent felony charges.

He also met Ed Treat, a Pisgah Legal Attorney, who specializes in expunction and driver’s license restoration and who works in partnership with the VTC.

Ed was impressed by Curtis’ dedication to improving his life and helping others. “Curtis drove the process in a way that a lot of clients do not,” says Ed. “Curtis was ahead of the curve. I had to catch up!”

Requirements for the VTC program are vigorous and include hours and hours of working, volunteering and staying sober. Ed says, “The VTC goes far beyond what DMV requires to get your license restored.”

Curtis began working at a local hospital, cleaning rooms in the Emergency Department. He found housing, purchased a truck with cash he saved, secured insurance and, with Ed’s help, got his license restored.

Curtis says, “I tried to do everything I could. I needed a lawyer to help me through this last little bit.”

In March, after 15 months, Curtis successfully completed the program, but he still returns each week to the courthouse, mentoring his fellow Veterans, and staying on track with his sobriety. Now he’s participating in the Warrior Canine Connection, training service dogs to assist other Veterans. “They say I spoil the dogs. But I figured out if I buy them high-quality treats, they respond better.” 

Kevin Rumley, who directs the VTC, says, “Curtis is an inspirational Veteran. He is one of the kindest human beings I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting. In court the judge will talk to the Vets about their struggles, what each of them is dealing with. If Curtis hears another Vet say he is worried about paying his rent, Curtis has paid it privately without their knowledge.”

Curtis has made incredible progress, but unfortunately was one of the many people in WNC left unhoused by Hurricane Helene. The motel he was staying in was destroyed and most of his belongings too. But he still has his truck, his job, and is even being considered for a promotion to become a supervisor.

Perhaps best of all, he thinks he has found a room to rent, and his sobriety has remained intact despite the stress of the storm.
“It ain’t going to stop me!” says Curtis.