Rising Up, Moving Forward

A nineteen-year old Hispanic young man, "Enrique" walked through the doors of Mobile Hope in 2019, homeless. He had been a Mobile Hope crisis client since 2017. He had rented a room in an apartment, without a lease, and had a poor relationship with his landlord, who shared the humble apartment along with her two children. The relationship became increasingly strained and he was "kicked out". 

He lacked formal education and marketable job skills; he suffered from depression and social isolation. 

Mobile Hope had started to work with "Enrique" during the preceding months to access community resources, budgeting, job skills and future planning. He had a history of unemployment, unstable employment and was a victim of labor trafficking. He cried during nearly every meeting with his caseworker due to his fractured relationship with his family and feeling socially isolated. He described himself as "always staying in his room, playing Xbox". Even at Mobile Hope events, he would keep to himself and avoid interaction with peers, mentors and staff.  

"Enrique" lacked photo identification; therefore, after he was "kicked out", he was ineligible for many community services. He turned to Mobile Hope again, and was provided guidance, basic needs and emergency shelter. Without Mobile Hope, "Enrique" would have been subjected to a life on the streets, including gangs, trafficking and other perils. Mobile Hope stored his life's belongings as we helped him figure out next steps. 

"Enrique" was provided emergency shelter (in the form of a hotel stay) for seven nights. We provided a donated bike for him to drive back and forth from the hotel to Mobile Hope. While he was in shelter, he would spend his days at Mobile Hope and use our computer lab to look for a job under the guidance of our YES team, and work with other staff to look for housing options. He would spend the rest of his time volunteering and connecting with staff and peers. 

He became a part of our Mobile Hope community, and experienced what it felt like to belong. 

With Mobile Hope's support, "Enrique" was able to secure employment at a sub shop and find a room to rent for $600 per month in a stable and nurturing environment. Once he secured the job and began working, we paid his security deposit and first month's rent. We provided him with basic necessities for his apartment such as a bed, dresser and kitchen necessities. He was even able to find a gently-used XBox and television that was donated to Mobile Hope. "Enrique" continued to stop at Mobile Hope on his way home from work for the next several months, staying in touch with caseworkers and maintaining his progress. 

Nearly a year later, "Enrique" has maintained the same job and remains stably housed. Although he has not received any substantial services or support from Mobile Hope's formalized services since then, he continues to stop by to connect with staff and friends. He is self-sufficient, confident, empowered—and happy. 

Because of your support, youth like “Enrique” can avoid the dangers of continued homelessness, and build a life of self-sufficiency, fulfillment and stability.