Just 18 months ago, Matthew Twist came to the Orange County Rescue Mission in Tustin homeless and addicted to drugs. Now, he's going to school, sorting mail at the Mission, and helping other people get back on their feet.

“I was thinking about where I am today and it brought tears to my eyes because I was just so thankful,” Twist said.

The Mission, a transitional housing program, strives to treat homelessness at its root by providing a new life, a bed, meals and a work program so that people who were once homeless have the opportunity to get fresh start.

“This really relieved me of that part of my life where I didn’t have to worry about where food was coming from or how I was going to get clothes or showers … You’d never believe what a hot shower could be like unless you’re missing it,” he said.

Over Thanksgiving, the Mission served 285 homeless men, women and children. 

“It’s a huge problem. It’s 365 days a year, 12 months a year, 24 hours a day,” Twist explained.

The Mission has given Twist an opportunity to get back on his feet, but there are still nearly 5,000 people estimated to be living on the streets of Orange County every day.