A former addict who began a nonprofit to foster pets when their house owners are looking for substance abuse remedy was named the 2024 CNN Hero of the Yr, successful
Stephen Knight will obtain over $100,000 to proceed his life-changing work.
His Texas group Canines Matter covers pet care bills for the foster household and offers post-release providers to assist human individuals succeed with their sobriety.
Accepting the award, Knight stated: “This implies every part. I characterize a lot right here: I characterize the restoration neighborhood, the canine rescue neighborhood…That is going to have the ability to take us to the following stage.”
In 2011, on the age of 51, Stephen had misplaced every part to meth habit—his household, his job, his dwelling, and practically his life.
HIV optimistic, and residing out of his automotive, Knight entered rehab on the behest of his mom—however it was a face-to-face assembly with slightly canine that modified his life.
CNN described it this manner: “After months of remedy, and at a fragile time in his restoration, a good friend confirmed up at his door in tears. She had relapsed, and in her arms was her beloved canine, Jayde.
“Knight’s good friend stated nobody would take Jayde, and he or she requested Knight for a experience to a shelter so she might give up her.”
Knight advised CNN, “I checked out Jayde, and we checked out one another.”
“It was some of the non secular moments, like ‘I believe we’d want one another right here.’”
Knight realized that some addicts had been delaying or forgoing remedy as a result of they may not discover appropriate housing for his or her pets—and in 2015 Canines Matter grew to become a registered nonprofit.
As Knight approaches 14 years sober, his group has helped greater than 1,200 canine and their house owners.
“This implies every part. I characterize a lot right here. I characterize the restoration neighborhood (and) the canine rescue neighborhood,” he stated throughout his shock win on the 2024 CNN awards gala in early December (see under). “That is going to have the ability to take us to the following stage.”
The general public can donate through GoFundMe to any of the 5 semi-finalist winners via January 5, 2025, because of a partnership with the Elevate Prize Basis which can match each contribution greenback for greenback, as much as $50,000 per hero. Up to now, over $120,000 has been raised (and the quantity will double for the Heroes).
Watch Stephen’s story under—and discover extra data on the 4 different Heroes, at CNNHeroes.com.
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