Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O'Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People

Tony’s life begins to increase in chaos, and moments of lucidity seem to be becoming less common. Trying to prevent fights, he repeatedly gets hurt.

Kidder details narratives from the recovery coach, Mike, about redefining success—each small win is a victory, particularly with substance abuse. Kidder provides short descriptions of these wins over the course of the Health Care for the Homeless Program’s experience treating patients in Boston.

Jim is arraigned for “unprofessional gift-giving” before the board. Tony had reported this in order to help Jim since he thought Jim was being asked for money too often by patients on the street who sometimes wait in line only to see him. Tony then gets hospitalized and gives Jim a hug—which he’s never done before. Jim notices that Tony is struggling, and Kidder details Jim’s efforts to try and help him find housing.