Troy Vaughn is one of the most incredible people you will ever meet, and his work and his words are inspirational at every turn. He is the CEO of Los Angeles Mission, one of the largest non-profits fighting homelessness in the nation and at the forefront of the housing crisis in Los Angeles. He is also the Senior Pastor of Restoration Family Worship Center in Inglewood, CA. After serving in the Marine Corps and encountering tragedy back home he found himself at a low point in life. He was homeless himself and after giving his life to Christ became a successful businessman and minister. Now he is sharing his gifts and his wisdom with the world. UrbanFaith editor Allen Reynolds sat down with Pastor Troy Vaughn to discuss his work, his mission, and how we can be impactful in our community as believers. The full interview is above. More about Troy and his Good Morning America interview are below.
After many years in the Marine Corps, I received the worst news of my life. My father passed away from a drug overdose — and my life shattered into pieces. I started using controlled substances and later cocaine to cope with the emotional trauma. My father’s addiction soon became mine as well. And my life continued to spin out of control until I hit rock bottom. I found myself living on Skid Row and had no hope…
That was until God spoke to me. He told me to leave my cardboard box home and get help. I went through an intense, year-long rehabilitation program to rebuild my life. It gave me the tools for long-term sobriety that truly saved my life.
This experience lit a fire inside of me. Since the day I left that program, I vowed to do everything I could to help others living on Skid Row experiencing the same ills I had overcome.
First, I founded Christ-Centered Ministries to help men and women transition from recovery programs to healthy, stable environments. Then, I became the Pastor at Inglewood Community Church to further help victims and survivors of addiction and homelessness. And for the last 20 years, I have held a range of roles for several non-profits across Los Angeles to fight for better solutions for those on the path of recovery.
I know this may be a little bit far-fetched but I know the circles of life always brings us right back to where we all started and with that being said I was intrigued by your story it touched me in ways that I’ve been wanting to reach out to others about I’ve been seeing a therapist for about 8 months now I can relate to some of the things that transpired with you I recently lost the mother of my children to a drug overdose April 5th of 2023 and I am struggling right now with children services because I was on a bad breakup before she lost her life and I haven’t quite been able to get back on my feet I’ve reached out to organization such as mmha housing authorities I also have a strong family background and this was one of the reasons I’m reaching out to you Pastor Vaughn we share the same last name I’ve been pretty much busy looking for employment housing I’m from Ohio but I have family scattered upon 18 different states I’ve endured homelessness as I am right now and I’m trying so hard to not lose focus of this I don’t have any mandatory addictions such as drugs but I am addicted to coffee so with that being said I’m going to follow you on all spectrums and hopefully my story can touch the hearts of others and never to give up hope and faith in God