Once a successful lawyer who lost everything, Hussein Hasham is finding stability, dignity and a path forward at Gateway Linens.

Routine, Support, Dignity

Inside Gateway Linens, a social enterprise operated by The Salvation Army, the work is simple but steady: folding, sorting, loading and showing up.

“What makes us unique is that, primarily, our workforce are individuals who themselves are experiencing severe barriers to employment,” explains Stewart King, manager of Gateway Linens.

Located in Toronto, Gateway Linens provides employment for people facing significant barriers, including addiction and homelessness. It also offers something less tangible but just as vital: routine, support and dignity.

“Who I Am”

For Hussein, it has become something more—it is where he is rebuilding his life.

Stewart says it is easy to fall into stereotypes about people experiencing homelessness or substance use challenges.

“We see people who have come from all walks of life,” he says, noting that staff include those who have worked as lawyers, in financial services and across a wide range of other professions.

Hussein once worked as a licensed Toronto real-estate and corporate lawyer, but his life was overtaken by addiction. As his substance use escalated, he lost his licence, stability and, eventually, his home.

“Slowly, gradually, you’re not yourself anymore.”

His life spiraled through hospital visits, police interventions and periods of homelessness, including winters spent living in his car. Eventually, he reached a turning point—what he calls his “aha moment”—when he realized he needed help to survive and reconnect with the family and people he desperately loved.

Hussein made the courageous decision to seek treatment, beginning at The Salvation Army Harbour Light, then moving into The Salvation Army Sober Living, and ultimately into employment at Gateway Linens. He credits The Salvation Army with walking alongside him through every stage of his recovery.

“I know who I am again.”

“I have a routine now. I have confidence. I am showing up.” HUSSEIN HASHAM

Rebuilding a Life

Surrounded by others also rebuilding their lives, Hussein found community rather than judgment. The routine helped him reconnect with skills, confidence and identity he thought he had lost.

“I have a routine now,” Hussein says. “I have confidence. I am showing up.”

Today, he is sober and focused on the future, including working toward reinstating his law licence.

“I did work hard for it,” he says. “So now I am working hard to get it back.”

Hussein continues to show up each day, courageously rebuilding his life through steady work and discipline, with The Salvation Army walking alongside him at every stage of his recovery.

“I remember the skills that I used to have, and I am actually applying them all again.”

Photo: Claudia Nosseir