Born and raised in the small town of Butler, Alabama, Timothy Moss is the second oldest among his siblings, or as he puts it, “the middle man.” Despite the distance from his Alabama roots in Detroit, Michigan, today, Timothy found family in more than just blood relations. “Family doesn’t always mean blood,” he shared, reflecting on the support he received from friends and extended family in Alabama and Ohio during some of his darkest times.
Timothy has faced challenges most people can’t bear to imagine—homelessness, addiction, and the uncertainty of how he would care for his children. Yet, through all the storms, he never lost faith in God or belief in the power of second chances. His journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative impact of support systems like those provided by COTS.
His first encounter with homelessness came after a tough separation from his children’s mother. Plus, an injury to his left eye caused him unable to work and without a place to stay. His initial stop was COTS’ Peggy’s Place. “I thank God He was still graceful enough that I could come back when I needed to,” Timothy said, recalling how COTS’ doors remained open when he needed them the most.
“I thank God for His timing,” Timothy said, his voice filled with emotion. “Even when I didn’t understand why things were happening, I saw everything falling into place for a reason. I wasn’t upset. You can’t live life being upset at anybody. I try to teach that to my kids, too. It’s easier to forgive and keep moving than to sit there holding a grudge.”
He recalls his daughter saying, “We’re going to be okay, Daddy.” Her strength and her brother’s became his motivation to keep pushing forward. [Add names and ages here] One of his fondest memories is a special formal event COTS organized for the children. His daughter wore a beautiful gown, and his son looked sharp in a suit. “It made them feel like they belonged somewhere special. It wasn’t about being at a shelter. It was about making my children feel valued.” That experience helped Timothy realize their circumstances didn’t define their worth. “I love that about COTS,” he said with a smile. “They saw what my kids needed and gave it to them. They gave us care and love.”
In addition to the immediate support from COTS, Timothy found a critical lifeline in the Fatherhood Initiative. The program, which meets monthly, gave him a safe space to share his experiences and grow as a father. Led by Gerald Edwards, the group became a community for Timothy, where fathers could rely on each other. “It’s like a buddy system. We lift each other up, and that’s helped me so much.”
With the help of COTS and other resources, Timothy has continued to build a strong foundation for his children. As he moves forward, he dreams of reuniting with his older children and grandchildren, bringing everyone together as one family. “I want them to know family is everything,” he said. “Growing up, I had that sense of family, and I want to pass that on to my kids.”
October 2024 marks a significant milestone in Timothy’s life: nine years of sobriety. It’s a victory he holds close to his heart. “I had to leave that life behind for good,” he said. “God saved me twice. He has a purpose for me.”
Reflecting on the milestones he shared with his children, Timothy remembers when COTS took them to their first-ever Detroit Pistons game. His kids got to stand on the court with the players during the National Anthem and high-fived players. It was an unforgettable night. “My son was watching me more than the game,” Timothy said, his eyes lighting up at the memory. “He looked up at me and said, ‘That’s my dad.’ Moments like that, they’re priceless.”
Through COTS, Timothy also connected with resources for veterans, which eventually helped him secure stable housing. He recalls the moment when stability seemed within reach: “The VA told me, ‘Find a house, and we’ll pay for it.’” With their support, Timothy found a three-bedroom home, fully furnished, where his children each have their own rooms. At the heart of Timothy’s story is a deep gratitude—for his faith, COTS, community, and another chance. “I thank God every day for bringing us through.”
We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our mission, bringing hope and stability to those who need it most. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey!
