Former homeless person and drug addict: "The county saved my life"

SAN JOSE, CA – Staring at a staggering $273 million budget deficit, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will be making some truly hard decisions in the coming weeks. At stake: a $140 million reduction in public services and 220 county jobs. The line of speakers before the board – and list of services that merit county funding – will be long.

But there is one personal story that captures the essence of what county government was created to do, and the story comes from Andreine Golden.

Golden was rescued from the brink seven years ago. From the age of 14 to 32, Golden had been in county custody for various offenses, all circling back to drug addiction. Then she was intercepted by the Department of Alcohol and Drug Services (DADS).

I had been homeless for years and the county provided me with intensive treatment that saved my life, said Golden. Under an innovative program called Three Principles, I was given the time to get healthy, mentally and physically. That’s all I needed, somebody to help me.

Today, Golden is a county case manager and educator for DADS. Now I do what was done for me. I can't imagine what would happen if we didn't provide this for people. The ripple effects would be huge.

Hundreds of consumers, providers and families will hold a rally Tuesday evening to remind the Board of Supervisors the life-altering decisions in their hands.

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12

WHERE: County Government Center, 70 W. Hedding Street, San Jose

Cutting public health, mental health and drug and alcohol treatment programs will result in higher costs for communities by increasing the use of emergency health/psychiatric services and police services, leading to higher incarceration rates. 

My story is not unique, said Golden. There are many like me.