In 1973, at the age of 20, Bainbridge Island resident Steve Rhodes enlisted in the Marine Corps.

And, by 1978, he was kicked out of the Marines thanks to alcohol abuse and left with nowhere to go.

Today he could point out the alleys in Seattle where he once slept. He shares stories about his crippling substance addictions that kept him on the street.

But in 1993, when he saw the white collar of a Lutheran minister and asked for help, he got started on his own bumpy road to recovery.

Today, Rhodes lives on Bainbridge Island where he operates Rhodes to Recovery, which he describes as “an outreach program for street people, individuals with drug addictions, and those who have lost hope.”

The program began in October 2011 after Rhodes received a visit from his cousin who had come to see the new, sober life Rhodes had made for himself.

“They heard about the whole train wreck,” Rhodes said, “But they had never been here.”

“[My cousin] told me, ‘Steve, you need to be doing this — giving back and helping the homeless because you’ve been saved. You’re one of them. They’ll listen to you,’” Rhoades said.

Despite the drama of Rhodes’ past, Rhodes to Recovery is a simple program. In his free time, Rhodes makes trips to downtown Seattle stocked with supplies the homeless need — mostly food and clothes. He also brings along a thermos of coffee and a pair of folding aluminum chairs.

Rather than just giving out jackets and soup and a word of encouragement, Rhodes offers them a seat, a cup of coffee, and as much conversation he can spare.

According to Rhodes, the best way to help the homeless, after food and clothing, is “treating them like a human being.”

Rhodes also organizes and participates in various fundraising events around the island.

He receives materials and support from several Bainbridge Island businesses and organizations, including Saint Cecilia Catholic Parish, Island Fitness, Churchmouse Yarns and Teas, and the Compass Center. Rhodes is especially keen on the wool hats donated by Churchmouse’s charity knitters, which he gives to the Seattle homeless stuffed with a chocolate bar.

“Steve has come to our group several times and told us … stories of how much the warm hats and scarves and gloves mean to those living on the street,” said Laura Alonzo, the Community Outreach Coordinator at Churchmouse Yarns & Teas.

“These hats and scarves are knit by people who spend time knitting and thinking about the person who will be receiving the item. Not mass-produced, but lovingly produced for them.”

“When we opened Island Fitness 10 years ago, we had the opportunity to meet Steve when he came in to work out,” recalled Michael Rosenthal, owner of Island Fitness.

“We were immediately struck by his humility and his caring ‘Give back, pay it forward’ nature,” he said.

Rhodes is thankful for how far he’s come since his life on the streets, and he feels his cousin was right to say it gives him a special opportunity and responsibility to help others.

“If I would have written down what my dream was [before starting Rhodes to Recovery], I would have short-changed myself,” Rhodes said. “All I have to do is show up. God will put a gentleman or lady in front of me.”

“I can’t keep this unless I give it away,” Rhodes said.

For information on how to get involved with Rhodes to Recovery, call 206-201-3946