His First Night | Alfredo's Story Part 1
When Alfredo Gonzalez walked out of jail in January, he had nothing but the clothes on his back. He had come to Idaho from San Antonio, Texas, with a woman and their two young sons, hoping to build a life together. But after being arrested and falsely accused of domestic violence, his life changed in an instant. He faced 10–26 years in prison before the charges were dismissed for lack of evidence. He was still required to enter Idaho’s Domestic Violence Court (DVC) program.
When released, Alfredo walked into a life he barely recognized. His car, job, and children were gone. He felt like he had even lost his identity. “I felt like my character had been diminished,” Alfredo said.
While Alfredo was in jail, the boys’ mother struggled with addiction, and his two sons, ages three and five, were placed with his former sister-in-law. Alfredo had family in Texas who would have welcomed him home, but he chose to stay in Idaho. His boys were here—and he wanted to fight for them. The problem was, he had nowhere to go.
It was January and cold. Alfredo spent several nights without a place to sleep before coming to the Idaho Falls Rescue Mission (IFRM). But there wasn’t a bed available. He came back the next day. And the next.
For four days, Alfredo walked through the Men’s Shelter doors, hoping there would finally be room for him. Even without a bed, the staff welcomed Alfredo and made sure he had food, clothing, and blankets until one opened.
When a bed finally opened up, Kenne, Program Supervisor at IFRM, completed his intake. “Kenne was always upbeat and had a really good attitude. He is always willing to help.”
For Alfredo, that kindness and acceptance was his first glimpse of hope.
His first night was difficult. He felt out of place, but soon realized he wasn’t alone. The staff treated him like family and didn’t judge him for his charges.
That first night, overwhelmed, Alfredo called his dad. He listened and said, “This is going to be the hardest time of your life. You just have to do it.” So that’s what Alfredo did.
He began Domestic Violence Court while searching for work, but employers repeatedly turned him down. “I’m a risk,” Alfredo said. Still, Kenne refused to give up on him. Kenne encouraged and prayed with him. He didn’t have a home, but Alfredo had people who cared—and a reason to keep going. His boys. Every day, they gave him another reason to move forward.
Alfredo’s story is still unfolding. Join us in October for part 2!
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” ~Philippians 1:6
Image: Alfredo Gonzalez (Right) with IFRM Staff