From Hope House Client to Senior House Manager
Employee Spotlight: Andrew Midds, Senior House Manager, Hope House
When Andrew Midds came to CaringWorks in 2017, it wasn’t as an employee—it was as a client at Hope House, seeking help.
After retiring from a 30-year career in management at Delta Airlines, Andrew found himself with too much time and too little structure.
“With nothing to do, I messed up,” he said.
What followed was a struggle with substance use that began later in life—something he knows isn’t often talked about. Eventually, he made the decision to get help.
“I brought myself to Hope House,” he said.
At first, he wasn’t convinced he needed to be there. But that changed when he heard a Hope House alum share a testimony that felt familiar.
“His story was my story,” Andrew said.
That moment shifted something.
“That’s when I started trying to apply what I was learning every day.”
He spent a year in the program, gaining tools that still guide him today. Some of the most impactful advice he received was straightforward: “You need to change people, places, and things,” he said, along with reminders like, “You can’t get high if you don’t pick up.” Over time, he said, “the light came on.”
After completing the program, Andrew focused on staying busy and maintaining his sobriety. He picked up work and built structure into his days—something he knew was important after retirement had left him with too much idle time. He would also stop by Hope House from time to time to stay connected. About a year after completing the program, during one of those visits, he was offered the opportunity to apply for a job there—and soon after, he joined the team.
Today, as Senior House Manager, Andrew oversees daily operations and supervises a team of house managers, ensuring the program runs smoothly and that residents stay engaged and on track. What makes his role especially meaningful is his lived experience.
“When I came here for help, there were house managers here that could relate to me,” he said.
Andrew now offers that same connection to others.
“I tell them about my struggle, and that I went through some of the things they are going through.”
That relatability matters. Many of the men he works with are navigating similar challenges later in life, and Andrew serves as a steady example of what’s possible.
The moments that stand out most to him are when former clients return years later.
“They come back and thank me for being an example, and for helping them get to where they are,” he said. “It just makes you feel good.”
Now approaching 70, Andrew continues to find meaning in his role at Hope House.
“I love and I enjoy what I’m doing,” he said.
For Andrew, the work is about more than a job, it’s finding purpose in using his experience to help others find their way.
“There are a lot of people out there and all they need is some guidance, and somebody to believe in them.”
Now, he’s able to offer that support every day.
Help more people break the cycle of homelessness.
About CaringWorks:
Built on the single idea that all people—no matter their social or economic standing—should have a chance to improve their quality of life, CaringWorks has served thousands of clients since our inception in 2002. Since then we have grown exponentially to become one of Georgia’s leaders in providing permanent supportive housing. We serve hundreds of individuals each year through unique programs and services that are specifically tailored to the needs of those facing chronic homelessness.
Donate today to help us end homelessness.
April 2026