Robby’s Redemption: From Rock Bottom to Rebirth in Salt Lake City

Robbie Myrick knows what it means to hit rock bottom. He lived it. Today, he’s helping others claw their way back up, one step at a time, as a coach at The Other Side Village. His story isn’t just about personal transformation—it’s a roadmap for tackling homelessness and addiction in Utah.

But how did a kid from Alaska, lost in the throes of addiction, turn his life around to become a leader in one of the state’s most ambitious programs? To understand, we need to go back to where it all started.

A Cycle of Addiction

Robbie’s childhood wasn’t the stuff of storybooks. Growing up in a family entrenched in addiction, he started using drugs when he was just 15. “By 19, I caught a federal indictment,” Robbie says, reflecting on a youth filled with destructive choices. “By 26, my life had consistently gotten worse. I had burned all my bridges.”

When his mother couldn’t handle his behavior anymore, she sent him from Alaska to live with his father in Utah. But the change of scenery did little to alter the trajectory of his life. “I found people who didn’t expect much from me, and that’s who I surrounded myself with,” Robbie explains. By the time he hit his mid-20s, his addiction had him teetering on the edge. “I knew I was either going to die, go to prison forever, or spend my life behind a dumpster on the street.”

The Other Side Academy: A Lifeline

Rock bottom is a lonely place, but for Robbie, it was also where he found the strength to change. “I got lucky and found my way into The Other Side Academy,” he says. Lucky might be an understatement. The academy is a no-nonsense therapeutic community where residents face themselves and their choices head-on. Sobriety is just the beginning.

“When you get clean and sober, you think, ‘Okay, I’m good now,’” Robbie says. “But then you realize, ‘I still suck at a lot of things.’” The academy’s approach doesn’t pull punches. “They tell you about yourself,” Robbie laughs. “You learn to work hard, hold healthy boundaries, and live with integrity.”

Four years at the academy not only saved Robbie’s life—it gave him purpose. Today, he’s part of the leadership team at The Other Side Village, an offshoot designed to address chronic homelessness in Utah. The mission is simple: give people the tools they need to rebuild their lives while fostering a culture of accountability and support.

Calling Out the Truth

The Other Side Village is not your typical housing program. It’s about more than providing shelter; it’s about changing lives. “A person’s real journey doesn’t begin until they have an open, honest foundation,” Robbie says. This honesty is what sets the program apart. Residents are called out on their behavior, but they’re also supported in their growth. “We tell you the truth because we believe you can change,” Robbie explains. “We don’t compromise on accountability.”

Skeptics wondered whether the tough-love approach could work for people dealing with severe mental illness and chronic homelessness. But Robbie has seen the results firsthand. “We know how to build a good culture. It’s not about softening the principles; it’s about meeting people where they are and giving them what they need to succeed.”

A Glimmer of Hope in Utah’s Homeless Crisis

As Utah grapples with rising homelessness, programs like The Other Side Academy and Village are proving that change is possible. Robbie acknowledges that homelessness and addiction may never be fully solved. “There will always be people who don’t want to be helped,” he admits. “But for those who are ready, programs like this can make all the difference.”

Walking into The Other Side Academy, the energy is palpable. It’s clean, upbeat, and optimistic. Robbie attributes this to the residents’ willingness to face their challenges head-on. “In that house, people are fighting battles and winning,” he says. “When you overcome things, what’s left to be upset about?”

A Purpose-Filled Life

Robbie’s life has come full circle. Once a man with no hope, he’s now helping others find theirs. “I couldn’t picture doing anything else,” he says. “Getting to help people is the best purpose.”

For those who feel stuck in a cycle of addiction and despair, Robbie offers simple advice: “If you don’t know where to go, come sit on our bench. Learn about our programs. It might just save your life.”

As Utah continues to search for answers to its growing homeless crisis, Robbie Myrick and The Other Side Village are proving that solutions don’t have to come from lofty policies or endless government spending. Sometimes, the best answers come from people who have lived through the problem and found their way to the other side.

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