Mr. Pierce and others straggled in from their river camps, and Ms. Winters gradually gained their trust. She met with police to improve relations with the homeless and helped some of the men obtain housing. When the Recovery Network of Northern Kentucky opened in Covington, she went with Mr. Pierce and introduced him around. The network was started by the Northern Kentucky Mental Health Association. It offers free computer access to people recovering from substance abuse or mental illness.
Some participants also are homeless.
Mr. Pierce's talents quickly became apparent. He'll soon be getting his first home computer, in exchange for revamping the Web site of the mental health association . In November, Ms. Winters helped him get a government-subsidized apartment. Leaving the woods wasn't easy, Mr. Pierce says. The stakes are much higher now.