Building a Better Tomorrow

Suffering from a toxic family, an abusive stepfather and depression, Andrew was in crisis. He was kicked out of his family home, and didn’t know where to turn. He had just graduated high school; his difficulties with attention and learning had made high school arduous and miserable. Self-medicating with marijuana made the moments tolerable but drained his motivation and drive. He started to feel like this was the life he deserved; alternating between the library and fast food restaurants during the day, stealing food from grocery stores to survive. Nights were even more stressful, worrying about where he would lay his head. He would alternate between hidden porticos and abandoned sheds when it was raining, and the flat rooftops in town on nights that were dry and warm. He carried all of his belongings in a worn backpack.

Andrew was brought to Mobile Hope by the local police, after they were called by a community member. Living on the streets had taken a toll on his spirit–a hot shower and a home-cooked meal filled his cup. Emergency shelter (a hotel stay) would be the next step while our case workers and mentors worked with him on a plan for stability. He was on his own at 18, without the skills needed to thrive.

For the next eighteen months there would be thousands of text messages, visits, meetings and calls with mentors, caseworkers and staff. Mobile Hope became his safe place; the only place he felt he belonged. He learned to play pool, had a place to launder his clothes, and had countless home-cooked meals around the table. He helped with our Christmas Village, dressing in costume to entertain the children as they waited for Santa Claus. Progress was full of twists and turns, smiles, tears and tough love–but he would work to build a life he is proud and worthy of. 

Now, he is stably housed and employed; he has enrolled in our trade school to become an electrician. 

He is proud of the man he has become and the life he has built, and grateful for the donors who helped make his burdens lighter and his journey to self-sufficiency possible.