David Teague Rebuilds His Life After Years of Homelessness

David Teague once struggled to see a way out of homelessness. Today, he has his own place, a steady job, and plans for a future that includes managing a store and buying a home.

He recently returned to the Storey County Sheriff’s Office to share his progress, including the truck he had purchased. It was a different kind of visit for someone deputies had arrested multiple times.

“It’s been a crazy ride, but I’m finally back to where I was before I was homeless originally,” Teague said.

Originally from Colorado, Teague said he became homeless after separating from his wife in Las Vegas. He spent years living on the streets, roughly from 2017 to 2023.

At first, he said, he had given up on trying to rebuild his life. Later, when he wanted to leave the streets, he struggled to find a path forward.

“I started looking for avenues to get out,” Teague said. “I couldn’t find any way to get out.”

His repeated encounters with the Storey County Sheriff’s Office involved trespassing complaints in the Lockwood area, according to Undersheriff Matt Willette. Teague continued returning to the property and was arrested multiple times.

During a jail stay, Teague joined the sheriff’s office inmate work crew program that handled community projects. He remembers participating in a horse rescue and being trusted to help outside the jail.

Those opportunities, along with practical support as he prepared for release, helped him begin rebuilding. Teague said he connected with housing in Carson City and received help getting a cellphone and restoring his identification.

He also found work as a technician at an oil-change shop. The job gave him a starting point, and continued visits and encouragement helped him stay focused.

Teague said knowing people cared about his progress gave him another reason to keep going. He felt that abandoning his efforts would mean letting down more than himself.

Since then, he has moved into his own place and advanced to an assistant manager position. He said he hopes to become a general manager and eventually buy a home.

“Just keep moving forward,” Teague said.

Community Health Worker Dani Brown said she and fellow community health worker Dustin Cerny worked with Teague through a collaborative effort to connect people in jail with resources for their return to the community.

The approach brings together law enforcement, health professionals, community partners and service providers. Depending on a person’s needs, support can include referrals, help with applications and paperwork, treatment connections and assistance navigating community services.

Brown said building trust and continuing to work through barriers are central to that effort.

“Progress does not always happen immediately, and having people who are willing to continue working toward solutions can be very meaningful,” Brown said.

For Teague, she said, the support came from a network of people working within their respective roles. His progress also depended on his own decisions.

“We can help inform, guide, and build connections, but it is truly up to the individual to use the resources and make the change they want to see,” Brown said.

Willette, who participated in some of Teague’s arrests, described seeing his progress as inspiring. Their recent conversation centered on Teague’s work, his independence, and his excitement about showing deputies his truck.

Sheriff Mike Cullen offered encouragement during Teague’s visit, emphasizing the effort Teague had put into changing his circumstances.

“This is on you, and you did a good job,” Cullen told him. “We’re all proud of you.”

For now, Teague said, he wants to keep saving money, growing in his job and building on the stability he has found in Carson City.

He also hopes to help others.

“I feel it’s important to pay it forward. I’ve always been this way,” Teague said. “I’m always going to do that.”