Former Homeless Addict Finds Forgiveness, Recovery, Redemption

A father and his family endured tragedy, drug use, homelessness, foster care, and California’s deadliest wildfire.

Brett Boman and his children stand at a street near their home in Chico, Calif., on March 12, 2023. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

CHICO, Calif.—Ten years ago, Brett Boman could have never imagined himself as a drug addict living on the streets and eating from dumpsters, but that was before his 13-year-old son was struck down by a vehicle at a crosswalk in Paradise, Calif., and killed.

As he drove to the store to pick up groceries, Boman had passed Skyler, who loved to run and was out for a jog along his usual route, about a half-hour earlier.