“Ten years I gave to my dependency.” 

Muhammad Karuo says it honestly, when reflecting on a chapter of his life he wishes he could get back. 

Originally from Compton, California, Muhammad moved to San Francisco looking for a fresh start. But he was still carrying out the weight of mental health challenges, periods of being unhoused, and meth dependency. 

For a long time, he didn’t think there was anything wrong with the way he was living. 

“I always thought of myself. I don’t have kids, so I didn’t see any harm in how I was living,” he said. 

Eventually, Muhammad decided he wanted something different. 

After connecting with GLIDE’s Health Empowerment and Access Treatment (HEAT) Program, he began working with HEAT Coordinator Nathan Bronson. Nathan helped him get connected to resources, including Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) benefits, mailing address, and treatment services. 

On January 30, with support from HEAT and Bronson, Muhammad entered Walden House, a residential treatment program where he spent three months focusing on himself and the changes he wanted to make. It was the first step toward leaving behind a lifestyle that had defined much of the last decade. 

“GLIDE, through their support, taught me to care for myself,” Muhammad said. “It was time for me to change. I always thought of myself. I don’t have kids, so I didn’t see any harm with how I was living. Ten years I gave to my dependency.” 

After graduating from Walden House, Muhammad moved into a step-down program on Treasure Island. The supportive housing program gave him a stable place to live while he continued treatment and adjusted to life outside of residential care. 

Nathan says the accomplishment belongs to Muhammad. 

“I’m proud of him,” Nathan said. “He did the work, and he has made a way for himself.” 

Today, Muhammad is continuing the work he started. The new beginning he came to San Francisco looking for is finally starting to take shape.