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What does the journey from success to rock bottom and back again really look like? Laura Davis Mansfield's story defies simple narratives about homelessness and addiction.
Growing up amid family dysfunction and trauma, Laura nonetheless excelled, becoming a star athlete and graduating from Lehigh University with dual degrees. Her move to California promised new beginnings, but as a single mother fighting anxiety and isolation, everything changed when doctors prescribed her highly addictive Klonopin. This began a devastating spiral that eventually led this former honor student to methamphetamine addiction and the streets of San Diego.
Laura takes us through the raw realities of homelessness—from her first night sleeping on concrete with nothing but a jacket for protection, to the mysterious pizza that appeared beside her like manna from heaven, to her eventual connection with community resources and churches that became lifelines. With unflinching honesty, she reveals how addiction severed her relationship with her teenage daughter—a relationship that would take nearly a decade to rebuild.
The recovery journey wasn't linear. Laura cycled through multiple attempts at sobriety, rehab programs, and even a quixotic plan to bicycle across America before finding lasting recovery through the Salvation Army's rehabilitation program. Today, six and a half years sober, Laura serves as a Salvation Army officer alongside her husband, helping others navigate their own paths to healing.
This conversation doesn't just illuminate the complicated reality of homelessness—it reminds us that behind every person on the street lies a complete human story. Laura's message is clear: no matter how far you've fallen, redemption is possible when you embrace vulnerability, connect with community, and refuse to give up. Have you been trying to face your struggles alone? Maybe it's time to reach out for help.