In October 1995, Thomas Johnson walked through the crowded, dimly-lit corridors of Grand Central Station in New York City, high on drugs. His crack habit had exploded, taking hold of his body and immune system, wracking his body with constant coughs and fevers.

"I weighed 118 pounds," said Johnson, who today is a father, husband and pastor. "I was dying, stinking and sick. On this day, I gave my soul to Christ."

Johnson was compelled to make the decision that would forever change his life while visiting a soup kitchen later that day. A visiting pastor, Billy White, singled him out of a crowd of hungry people, telling him that if he believed in Jesus Christ he would be saved.

"I cried for three days," he said. "The whole scope of my life had totally changed."

These days, he arrives at the Alachua County Jail every other Saturday at 1 p.m., where he is automatically recognized and admitted by security guards. Walking through the hospital-like corridors, he waves to familiar inmates and it's easy to see he's a welcome regular.

Johnson is the executive director of the House of Hope, a facility that helps assimilate male ex-convicts back into society through preaching the word of God, and he's here to try and sow the initial seeds of change in some of the men who will eventually be released and able to join his halfway-house program.

Discouraged by a lack of support from family and friends and slim, unattractive job prospects, drug use and its familiar lifestyle often seem appealing to those recently released from prison, Johnson said. Subsequently, many of the men Johnson preaches to are in jail for second and third times, victims of the difficult circumstances facing them when released into the foreign world of post-prison life.

But while the House of Hope is understanding, it won't accept just anyone. Once an ex-offender is accepted into the House, he must be under strict observation for 90 to 120 days, during which he must be under strict observation for 90 to 120 days, during which he must find a job to pay the minimal $50 rent and keep his house free of drugs and alcohol. If compliant, members will graduate and be granted complete freedom. More than 90 percent of House of Hope graduates haven't returned to crime.

"Over time, you can reach people and convince them that they want what is good for them," he said.

While Johnson considers Christianity the way to the heart of all criminals, he believes he connects successfully with the House of Hope men because he is an ex-convict, crack addict and drug dealer.

"I was a junkie for 33 years," he said. "That's longer than some of the guys have been alive. They trust me because I had a similar experience as them. We have a connection."

Every Monday night, Johnson conducts a three-hour Bible study at the House of Hope, addressing issues such as self-esteem, patience and understanding, which are qualities he believes can help ex-convicts serve themselves and their families better. Johnson said his primary mission in life is his family and stresses the importance of raising children in a loving environment.

Although Johnson is happy with his personal and professional success, he still envisions an even brighter future.

"I want a larger House of Hope and a House of Hope for females," he said. "I wish for a facility for the drug-addicted and homeless and that their problems can be addressed through Christianity which we know works. I'm living proof."

Anyone interested in donating clothes, toiletries or other items to the House of Hope can contact Johnson at: (352) 376-3964.

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