When Matthew Fortune flatlined for 45 minutes, he didn’t see a tunnel or meet a divine being—he experienced nothingness. But coming back to life forced him to confront everything. In this unflinching and ultimately redemptive episode, Matthew shares his long and painful battle with addiction and homelessness. From growing up in a strict Christian household to surviving a fentanyl overdose and then rebuilding his life through faith, service, and hard-won responsibility, Matthew’s story challenges assumptions about recovery and the human capacity for change.
Story Producer: Brent Dey
Resources for opioid and other harm reduction:
Georgia Overdose Prevention:
https://georgiaoverdoseprevention.org/
National Opioid Action Coalition:
https://www.noac.org/
National Harm Reduction Coalition:
https://harmreduction.org/
If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or support those experiencing homelessness, here are some trusted organizations and resources that can help:
National Organizations (U.S.)
- National Alliance to End Homelessness — endhomelessness.org Advocacy, research, and policy work to end homelessness. Great starting point for understanding the issue and supporting systemic change.
- National Coalition for the Homeless — nationalhomeless.org Education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing around homelessness and housing rights.
- National Low Income Housing Coalition — nlihc.org Focused on expanding affordable housing and influencing housing policy nationwide.
- The Salvation Army – Homeless Services — salvationarmyusa.org Provides shelters, transitional housing, and food assistance.
- Habitat for Humanity — habitat.org Volunteer opportunities to help build affordable housing in local communities.
- Feeding America — feedingamerica.org Helps reduce food insecurity, often a major factor in preventing homelessness.