Nicholas Wennington

Nicholas is a mental health worker with the Portland Hotel Society, where he supports clients with daily needs, provides overdose prevention services, and helps people navigate medical appointments and access essential care. He also works in a community-managed alcohol program that supports individuals in the community. The program also operates as a lounge, offering a welcoming space where clients can relax, connect with others, and access support. Nicholas assists participants with medical concerns and other challenges in their lives. The program itself is a community-based initiative, created by and for the people it serves.

In addition, Nicholas previously worked with RainCity Housing at overdose prevention sites for several years, where he also served as a trainer, teaching others how to use naloxone.

Drawing on his own experience of spending 10 years homeless, Nicholas hopes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people facing addiction and homelessness.

Nick shared his story with us:

“My stint with depression, addiction, and homelessness came about in 2003. My mother was living in the USA and I was barred from visiting her for almost 14 years while she became ill. Eventually I was allowed to visit her for a short time, but after I left I was not allowed to re- enter the USA and she passed away. At that point I faded into severe depression and I started using crack cocaine on a daily basis due to the fact that the work I was doing needed my full attention. Eventually I quit my job and ended up on welfare, and rather than live in an SRO, which was unlivable, I chose to live on the streets, and stayed on them for about 10 years. Thanks to the At Home project I was able to get my life back on track (which I know would happen again one day) and have been taking what I have learned through those years of despair to help and teach others that are going through what I had to.

Getting clean from drugs was something I always knew would happen. Even during my addiction, I felt like I kept one foot grounded. People used to tell me they didn’t understand how someone as functional as I was could still be using. One day, I just woke up and quit. I always believed I would stop eventually, I just didn’t think it would take as long as it did. Looking back, I believe I had to go through everything I did to become the person I am today. I’ve been blessed to help save many lives, while knowing there are those I wasn’t able to save.”