Former Toronto lawyer rebuilds life through The Salvation Army programs

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

Inside Gateway Linens, a social enterprise operated by The Salvation Army, the work is simple but steady: folding, sorting, loading, and showing up. Stewart King, manager of Gateway Linens, explains, “What makes us unique is that, primarily, our workforce are individuals who themselves are experiencing severe barriers to employment.”

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.

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

“Instead of riding the subway to keep warm, I am riding to show up.”

King 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 said, noting that staff include those who have worked as lawyers, in financial services and across a wide range of other professions.

Hasham 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 license, 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.

Hasham 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.”

Surrounded by others also rebuilding their lives, he 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, Hasham said. I have confidence. I am showing up.”

Today, he is sober and focused on the future, including working toward reinstating his law license. “I did work hard for it,” he said. “So now I am working hard to get it back.”

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

Hasham 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. To learn more about Hasham’s inspiring story of resilience, please watch the Global News story here.

by Claudia Nosseir