His Story
From the Tenderloin to the National Stage
Tom's journey from city employee to homeless addict to nationally recognized advocate is a story of rock bottom — and what's possible on the other side.
1
Pre-2017
A Pillar of the Community
Tom spent nine years as a child support officer for the City and County of San Francisco, helping families and holding absentee parents accountable. He was married with two children — a model community member.
2
2017
The Downward Spiral
After foot surgery, Tom was prescribed opioid pain medication. What began as a prescription became an addiction. He lost everything — his job, his home, and nearly his life — eventually living on the streets of the Tenderloin, dependent on heroin and fentanyl.
3
2018
Rescued — and Transformed
After six months homeless on the streets, Tom was rescued by a police officer who refused to look the other way. His story was later featured by CNN as a defining example of what compassionate intervention looks like. Tom got clean and never looked back.
4
2019–Present
Becoming an Advocate
Tom channeled his experience into action — founding The Pacific Alliance for Prevention and Recovery, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to promoting pragmatic drug policy. Tom has consulted both local, state, and federal governments and agencies on changes to homeless and drug policy, including presenting at the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs in Vienna, Austria, and has met with officials in two Presidential administrations at the White House.
