Diotsis, a thoughtful and frank man, begins his story by explaining the environment he was raised in while living in a small town in Texas. Like many of the folks we work with, he was part of a large family with 11 other siblings and was surrounded by poverty, alcoholism and violence. Though he considers these factors to have negatively influenced him and his choices, he notes how his mother tried to explain that not all places in the world were like that. As he grew up, he suffered from substance and alcohol addictions which ultimately led to a 17- year prison sentence.

Diotsis explains that after the first few years in prison, he turned to his faith for help with understanding the people and world around him. His experiences with poor health, and periods of paralysis and blindness were all issues which strengthened his faith in ‘God’s presence’ and helped him let go of the bitterness he felt for others throughout his entire life.  He realized he ‘had to accept responsibility for where I was.”  His incarceration allowed him to rediscover sobriety and his sense of self.

After being released from prison in 2009 and soon finding himself homeless, Diotsis faced several difficult setbacks, yet continued with his conviction “to get his new life on track.” He explains that his faith allowed him to step out once more and he found support and compassion from Austin Restoration Ministries.

While in Austin, Diotsis reinjured his back and turned to Front Steps for help in managing his health disabilities, finding shelter and establishing an income. He explains that “the ARCH didn’t criticize me, and I saw that they accept all types of people. The staff was so loving and willing to help.” Diotsis began by spending his nights on a sleeping mat at the ARCH before being accepted into Case Management and moving to a reserved bed for overnight shelter. His Case Manager, John, worked with him to find an apartment and to provide guidance in managing his diabetes and other health issues. Diotsis also thanks Caritas of Austin for helping with his rent and his parole officer, Tracy, for all of her support.

Diotsis freely attributes his new life to the help he received at Front Steps, saying; “if you want help, they can help you. There isn’t a better place besides the ARCH. For anything I needed, they responded when I spoke up- for shelter on cold nights, clothing, and blankets.” He praises the programs and services at the ARCH because he says they help participants “take their minds off all of the problems out there on the streets.”

Now, clean and sober for 11 years, Diotsis notes he has no desire to use drugs or alcohol at all. He explains that “God has always been there” to guide him, as long as he has been willing to help himself. Front Steps has provided guidance and support while Diotsis continues to work toward a better life.  Among the many lessons he has learned, Diotis says top among them is “not to take anything for granted, and to treat the good things in life with respect.”

By carrying himself in a certain way, Diotsis hopes that others on the street will see that he is a good person and want to achieve the same types of changes he has made in his life.  “I’m not trying to be better than anybody else. I’m still nothing, but I’ve come a long way from where I started.” Soon, after he is in better health, he will pursue a career in truck driving so that he can earn his license and gain employment.

Diotsis has truly found a home in Austin and it makes him happy that his daughter has told him how proud she is of him for coming so far and for continuing to speak truthfully from his heart about his story. He plans to stay in Austin, explaining that “the ARCH can do so much, and I have faith that they will continue to elevate me as long as I am willing to follow their direction. I’m going to do what I’m supposed to do. I speak from my heart when I say I love the people at the ARCH. They were willing to help me when I couldn’t help myself.”

Congratulations to Diotsis and all of those who have experienced the tragedy of homelessness, yet still persevered.