Hundreds join Hands Across the Bridge to celebrate their sobriety

Hundreds of Vancouver and Portland residents celebrated their sobriety on Monday by joining hands across the Interstate 5 Bridge.

“It’s just a reminder that recovery is for everyone — every person, every family, every community — and I don’t know what else could embody that more,” organizer Alizz Quarles said.

The annual Hands Across the Bridge has kicked off National Recovery Month in September for 24 years.

The booming rhythm of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s drumming circle filled Esther Short Park to signal the opening and closing of the event, which included speeches by organizers and community leaders. Quarles and Tabby Stokes, vice chair and chair of Hands Across the Bridge, honored Cowlitz Indian Tribe Behavioral Health for stepping up when behavioral and mental health resources in Clark County were dwindling. Cowlitz tribal elder and spiritual leader Tanna Engdahl accepted the award on the tribe’s behalf.

The event also marked a new partnership with Thrive2Survive, a Clark County nonprofit that works to help those facing homelessness and addiction. Charles Hanset Jr. founded Thrive2Survive in 2018, a year after he began his own recovery from addiction.

“I wanted to be a father, I wanted to be a son to my mother that she deserved, and I wanted to be somebody that lives up to their purpose, rather than a grave site that said, ‘Here lies a man with so much potential,’ ” Hanset said.

Hanset believes that he gets to live up to that potential today because of events like Hands Across the Bridge.

“How can you not get the chills looking around here? This is people that are still alive,” Hanset said.

‘You are not alone’

Two friends orchestrated the first Hands Across the Bridge in 2001, and now a different pair of friends are keeping it going.

After reading an article about National Recovery Month decades ago, founders Patty Katz and Louise Wedge stood atop Burnside Bridge in Portland at sunrise to commemorate their recovery from the top of the bridge instead of under it. That symbolic action evolved into the event now attended by hundreds.

“They have both passed away, and today me and my best friend continue this tradition on,” Stokes said.

Those attending Monday’s event said it serves as a powerful source of connection for those in recovery.

“It shows you that you are not alone, that you have a community, and if you need help, this is the place,” participant April Haynes said.

Haynes, who is staying at the Open House Ministries family shelter, brought her son.

Haynes has been clean from methamphetamines for nine years and marijuana for six months.

Haynes began recovery because she wanted to break her family’s cycle of addiction to have something better for herself and her future children.

One of Haynes’ best memories with her son was watching his first steps. Haynes’ mother, who struggled with addiction and mental illness, was not present for her daughter’s.

“I am the cycle breaker,” Haynes said, “and I think that is the best thing I can be.”