Islanders have been his saviors | Letters, Dec. 6

Published 4:30 pm Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Recently I was under the Alaskan Way Viaduct with a photographer from Los Angeles, working on a photo shoot. While we were there, I watched a homeless guy use a cardboard box to build his house for the night.

In 1993, I said, that was me. And that was when I moved to Bainbridge Island – 15 years ago this Thanksgiving.

Since being on the street 15 years ago, all these incredible things have happened to me. And most of them are the result of move to the island.

The island family – the people who live here – who have helped me, and showed me friendship. Who gave me somewhere to live. Who helped me sober up, and stay sober. Who became my clients.

To Helpline House, my clients, my spiritual practice, the places I buy coffee, Town and Country, all my friends. Thank you.

You have opened your arms to me. Bainbridge Island has become my home. And today is Thanksgiving.

Steve Rhoades

Bainbridge Island