Gaining a Positive Attitude
by Michael W., Samaritan House resident

I am a 31 year-old gay white male, and I've been living with HIV for 12 years. I used to live in Dallas, but I became a resident of Samaritan House in December of 2003. When I got here, I was so far gone that I was at death's door. I had all but given up on life.

Things began to change once I settled at Samaritan House. I got to know other people just like me, and I saw how well they were doing. Being a part of such a unique community helped me to develop a different outlook on life. With my new “positive” outlook, I have a whole new perspective on HIV. I have become a stronger person, and now, I’m working to get my life back to where it used to be.

I have plans for my immediate future as well while I’m still living at Samaritan House. I want to become part of the Resident Council, the group of residents that helps make decisions about the welfare of our community. I want to help in any way that I can. Recently, I was voted Resident of the Month, which was a real honor. It’s my hope to help others turn things around when they find themselves facing the same challenges that I faced before coming here. There’s a place for them in this community, and I want them to feel welcome.