Homeless to Marine Recruit

Adam came through our doors in April, shortly after his 18th birthday. He grew up bouncing between foster care placements and the youth shelter…until his 18th birthday. Still a senior in high school, he “aged out” of the youth system. Between graduation planning, final papers, and long commutes to his base school, he would become a resident of the adult shelter, living with men and women more than twice his age.

LCPS was closed due to COVID-19; he had lost his daily touchstone. He had to leave the shelter by 8 am every morning, but where to go? The streets were lonely; fast-food restaurants, libraries, and businesses were closed; he had no aunts, uncles, grandparents, or neighbors to turn to.

Imagine if this young man spent his days on the streets, hungry, lonely, and desperate. Tragically, some young people do and are coerced into gangs, drug dealing, or sex trafficking rings.

But Adam found Mobile Hope, and things began to change. Mobile Hope became his refuge and his family. He would come in the morning, fix a bowl of cereal, and talk with staff and other young people. He began to volunteer for Listen for the Honk, our bus outreach program. He worked alongside community leaders, peers, and cultural role models, feeding families in need. He developed strong connections, laying the foundation for healthy future relationships. He got his first job.

He felt a renewed sense of purpose and confidence, a sense of community and belonging, rooted in authentic connections with others.

We listened without judgment. We guided, supported, and encouraged. We fed him, clothed him, provided stable housing in a safe neighborhood, transported him, and talked through the next steps. We celebrated his graduation and his acceptance as a Marine recruit. We will be by his side as he leaves in August for Paris Island.

From homeless to Marine recruit…we stand with this young man!