Thankful for a second chance, homeless man turns life around

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Thanksgiving is a day for giving thanks. A day full of food, family, and laughter. But for one man named Frank, this will be his first Thanksgiving off the streets of Wilmington in nearly ten years.

“I drank so much you could have sank a battleship. It’s time to make a change for the better this time,” said recovering alcoholic Frank Lewis.

Lewis is looking to make a change for the better by turning his life around with the help of some loyal friends.

“Frank was in a really bad place, but at the same time you could still see the light shining through him. He was just kinda clouded by his demons,” said Joey Upchurch.

That inner light was seen by many people in the community including the executive director of Vigilant Hope Jeremy Hardy.

“We always joke that he has perfect attendance here, at all of the Vigilant Hope events,” Hardy said.

Through events like free showers, food, and worship services Frank said he was guided to the light of recovery. And those events not only gave Frank the hope he needed but other homeless men and women across the city too.

“I hope that they never lose hope and you know that we’ll all get off the street one day,” said one man.

“I’d love to be an inspiration to others. If I can do it, anybody can do it. Cause I was one of the worst on the streets,” Frank said.

The first step anyone facing addiction needs to take is just admitting they have a problem and accepting help.

“For the ones who came and stayed just for a little while, and got something that they can use to become a contributor to society. Rather than one that’s taking away, I just get a little bit emotional,” said Rod Lattie, Executive Direction Gateway Landing.

In a city with a large homeless problem, Frank is trying to set a great example.

“We’re basically standing in a local mission field. I mean people spend thousands of dollars a year to go out of the country and go on mission trips when there’s literally opportunities right here in our town. In our city,” said Frank. “Get help. Get help. That’s all it takes, just ask for help.”

If you would like to volunteer or learn more about Vigilant Hope click here.