Giving Tuesday 2023

Did you know Giving Tuesday is the same month as National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month? Last November, we launched our very first fundraiser, Welcome Home. We had such a great time that we want to share the experience with you! Click on or hover your mouse over the photos below to follow in the footsteps of Alex, a young individual who had to navigate homelessness.

 

Hi. My name is Alex. I’m 22 years old. I used to live with my Grandma Ruby and her dog Charlie, but Grandma Ruby got sick when I was 13 and she couldn’t care for me. That’s when I entered the foster care system. I was sent to 15 different homes while I was in the system, but I aged out.

Now I work at a grocery store to try and make ends meet. But I only get paid $10 an hour. I can’t find a place within my budget that’s close enough to work and I don’t have a car to commute. Luckily, one of my coworkers picks me up and drops me off every day. I actually like them a lot.

After carpooling for a while, I started dating my coworker, Jordan. We figured it would make the most sense for me to move in, so they don’t have to drive across town to get me.

Everything was perfect for the first few months, but Jordan quickly became jealous and possessive. I had to walk on eggshells constantly. I wanted to leave, but they told me nobody else would want me. I tried to make it work, but once they gave me a black eye, I realized I would be safer on my own. But how will I get to work now?

After leaving Jordan, I didn’t know where to go. I spent a few nights couch surfing before I was able to get into a shelter.

I felt like I could finally breathe, knowing there were people on my side. That didn’t last too long though.

After what happened at the shelter, I felt like I couldn’t catch a break. I would have given anything to stop the pain I felt inside. One day I was visiting a friend and I saw a bottle of Xanax in their medicine cabinet. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to take one. I was desperate after all. That was weeks ago. Now I can’t stop.

I can’t remember how long I’ve been on my own. I know I can’t keep living like this, but I don’t even know how to begin to solve my problems.

To find an apartment, I need money. To get money, I need a job. To get a job, I need a car. To get a car, I need a license.  To get a license, you need to take a driving test. It’s a never-ending cycle.

I know I should go back to school and get my high school equivalency, but I don’t have the resources to do that either.

The past few months have been rough. Honestly, I think the last time I felt a real sense of security was when I lived with Grandma Ruby, but I’m hoping I can change that.

I was at a community fair a while back and I heard about this program called CHILL. Apparently, they have an apartment complex. I think it’s called The Courtyard? I’ve passed that place before.

I grabbed an application while I was at the fair and I got accepted.

I don’t know what to expect, but I’m afraid that I’ll end up hurt again. But I suppose it’s worth a shot.

It’s been six months since I came to live at The Courtyard.

The CHILL Coaches have encouraged me to begin my healing journey.

I was referred to Parkview Behavioral Health to overcome my addiction. I was also connected with SCAN and the police department’s victim assistance program to cope with my abusive relationship.

I’ve even started to make friends here. A few of the other tenants saw that I was new and welcomed me in!

It feels like things are finally starting to look up.

I think I’ll try to get in touch with Grandma Ruby.

You can make a difference

With your help, CHILL can make a difference in the lives of youth like Alex. Please consider joining us this Giving Tuesday as we continue to serve young adults who have aged out of foster care or found themselves at risk of homelessness.