By Hannah Landgraf, former Program Assistant
In June of 2015, Gino Lloyd celebrated four years clean after a 23 year addiction to crack cocaine. In the same month, he attended his first meeting as a member of the Board of Directors for Central Outreach & Advocacy Center. His life, his story, and his continued commitment and dedication to addressing issues of mental health and substance abuse are an incredible and necessary addition to our Board.
When we finally sit down and talk about the reality of opening doors out of homelessness, finding treatment for mental illness, and recovering from addiction Gino is candid and straightforward about his experience. Although his life was in shambles, he had several things going for him – as a Veteran he sought services and care through the VA, he had a family who continued to love and support him throughout his darkest years, he had the consistent support and inspiration of the NA/AA community, as well as supportive services from Central OAC and other neighboring organizations.
Without these resources, as well as a deep and unwavering belief in God’s love for him – a God he knew did not want him to be a crackhead, but God’s son – Gino has pieced his life together. In 2011, Gino’s sister sparked his recovery. Sending him $70 and a note of love, he finally broke down. Her unconditional love for him, throughout his addiction and deceitfulness, was too much. He simply could not continue to use and deceive her.
This lavishness of love and support is not the reality for each individual living on the street. Many men and women experiencing homelessness live with great shame, have pushed their families away, or have been pushed away by the ones they love. Gino recognizes how remarkable his story is yet has hope that others too can find new life and recovery.
Recently certified as a Peer Specialist, Gino now works for the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network, sharing his lived experience with others and speaking light and love into the lives of those on the margins.
Central Outreach & Advocacy Center is honored that Gino has agreed to serve a three-year term on our Board of Directors. His insight will provide a vital and unique contribution to the work Central OAC is doing in Atlanta and his life and recovery will remain a vision of hope and encouragement – reminding us that doors really can be opened out of homelessness.
Gino Lloyd grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Detroit, Michigan. Much of his time today is devoted to serving as a volunteer with Common Ground of Hope Recovery, where he is a group facilitator and speaker, and with the Ignatius Spirituality Project, where he leads retreats for men in recovery. He is also on the Board of Cause for Hope, a non-profit organization that serves marginalized people in downtown Atlanta, especially those with mental illness and addiction.