We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniel Howe and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Tucson Arizona. Like many, my background and upbringing had a significant impact on the person I am today. Unfortunately, my childhood was filled with poverty, which made life incredibly challenging. The struggles and limited opportunities shaped the path I ended up taking.

As I entered adulthood, I made poor choices that fueled a cycle of homelessness and jail stints. It was a difficult and dark period of my life, but it ultimately became a turning point. The hardships I faced taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, determination, and the consequences of my actions.

Overcoming adversity and rebuilding my life from scratch was no easy task. However, it was during these trying times that I discovered my true potential and inner strength. The setbacks and mistakes allowed me to understand the importance of making positive choices and taking responsibility for my actions.

With the support and guidance of my wife Jessica and various influences, I managed to turn my life around. I dedicated myself to self-improvement by seeking an education and developing various skills. I refused to let my past define me, realizing that I possessed the power to create a brighter future for myself.

The experiences I gained during those tough years taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Through determination, I gradually transformed my life, and today I am proud to say that I am a business owner of three transitional homes for men and women suffering homelessness, substance abuse disorders or facing legal issues. The journey was arduous, but it enabled me to develop an unwavering work ethic, a strong sense of empathy, and the ability to face challenges head-on.

My background and upbringing may have initially caused me to stumble, but they ultimately shaped me into a resilient and compassionate individual. I believe that my experiences have given me a unique perspective, allowing me to connect with others who have faced similar struggles.

Now, as a business owner, I am passionate about giving back to my community and offering opportunities to those who have gone through similar hardships. I understand firsthand the transformative power of second chances and strive to provide support and guidance to those who need it.

In conclusion, my journey from a poor childhood, homelessness, and prison to becoming a business owner has undoubtedly impacted the person I am today. It has instilled in me the importance of perseverance, the value of hard work, and the need for empathy. Through it all, I have learned that it is never too late to turn one’s life around and create a positive impact on both oneself and others.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At our organization, we firmly believe that a home is not just a physical structure, but a place where individuals feel safe, supported, and valued. We strive to go beyond simply providing shelter, focusing on creating a warm and caring environment that treats people like humans. This approach sets us apart from others who may view housing as a transactional business.

We take immense pride in the success stories that have emerged from our program. Seeing firsthand how lives have been transformed brings us great joy and reaffirms our mission. Through our commitment to treating individuals with empathy, respect, and dignity, we have witnessed remarkable changes in people’s lives.

Our growth as a business has not come easy. It has been the result of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. We have stuck to our core values, staying in our lane and focusing on what we do best – providing compassionate housing solutions. Despite the challenges we have faced, it has all been worth it. Seeing individuals overcome obstacles, thrive in our homes, and achieve their goals is the most rewarding outcome.

Overcoming challenges has taught us valuable lessons and pushed us to be innovative and to pivot when needed. While the journey may have been difficult, the benefits have been immeasurable. By continually striving to improve our services and meet the evolving needs of those we serve, we have been able to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and their families.

In a world where kindness and empathy can sometimes be in short supply, we want to send a message to the world: when you treat people like humans, anything is possible. By offering individuals a place to call home and providing them with the support and respect they deserve, we have witnessed their potential soar. We believe that everyone has the ability to achieve great things when they are given the opportunity to thrive in a caring and nurturing environment.

Ultimately, our goal is to inspire others to adopt a similar approach – one that recognizes the inherent worth and potential of every individual. We want to spread the message that when you treat people like humans, the sky is truly the limit to their success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If a friend were to come visit me in Tucson, I would show them the things and places that the true locals hold dear and near. I would start with some real authentic Mexican food from Rollies off 12th Ave or any food cart in South Tucson and we can’t go wrong. The flavors and aromas will give you a memorable introduction to our local food scene.

After getting a taste of our culture I would make sure to show you some of our historical sites around the downtown area so you can get a sense of our deep history. We would start by walking around downtown’s Congress Street or up 4th Ave to see the artisan culture. Both areas are known for their, lively atmosphere, eclectic shops, and great meet up locations for work or play. At night this is where Tucson comes to life.

After an eventful day seeing the city, the next day we would get outside and hit one of our amazing ward winning golf courses. We have a few options such as The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, The Gallery Golf Club or the Starpass Golf Club to name a few. Our city courses are affordable and fun as well, however, “Quarry Pines” is my go-to and is our version of “Torry Pines”, with excellent mountain views and holes that go deep into an old quarry mine.

If you prefer quiet and peaceful activities, exploring the saguaro national monument on horseback would be a great option or a nice hike up Sabino Canyon or through Catalina State Park. Strolling through any parts of our desert landscape, surrounded by towering saguaros is a truly a breath taking experience. Everyone can appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the Southwest.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take this moment to appreciate and recognize the incredible person that is my wife, Jessica Howe. Her unwavering support, love, and encouragement have made a profound impact on my life and the lives of those around us.

From the very beginning, she believed in me and my dreams when I may have doubted myself. Her faith in my abilities has pushed me to strive for greatness, even during the toughest of times. Her continuous support has been the backbone of my journey, motivating me to face each challenge head-on.

But most importantly, her love and encouragement have been my driving force. Her unwavering belief in my potential has given me the confidence to chase my dreams fearlessly. Her words of wisdom, spoken with love, have become a guiding light during moments of doubt.

I truly believe that I would not be the person I am today without her by my side. She has been an anchor in my life, a source of strength, and a constant reminder that I am capable of achieving greatness. Her dedication to our relationship and to the betterment of those around her is truly awe-inspiring.

So, here’s to Jessica! Thank you for being the beacon of light in my life. Your efforts, support, love, and encouragement have shaped me into the person I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful. You are my rock, and I am forever blessed to have you by my side.

Website: theearnesthouse.com; thehoweproject.org

Facebook: @thehoweproject

Youtube: https://youtu.be/89G3BQyW24o?si=bs0GXu24y9nHRuRh; https://youtu.be/W4eIhRLqK-M?si=8MsniOOK5Cq5Qw2c

Image Credits
Jessica Howe. Pima County Attorney Laura Conover

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.