Growing up, Christian bounced between living situations, living with his grandma, uncle, mom, step dad, and biological dad at various times. In high school, he found himself homeless. “I bought a tent and camped out in the woods. Then I stayed at my girlfriend’s home for a while, but eventually had to leave. Then I camped out again. My math teacher noticed I was coming to school with a tent and sleeping bag and connected me to my counselor.” His school counselor knew of a Coffee Oasis volunteer through church who connected him with The Coffee Oasis Youth Shelter.

Christian was able to stay at the shelter while going to high school. “It was nice. Definitely the best place you can get. It provides you with a free house, free food, and a place to shower.” He stayed at The Coffee Oasis Youth Shelter about 3 months and looked for jobs the entire time. While he was at the shelter, He was able to get an EBT Food card and set up both Dental and Physical exams. During this time, The Coffee Oasis Café in Tacoma was preparing to open. When Christian turned 18 and the cafe opened, he landed a job as a barista.

Reflecting back on his experience staying at The Coffee Oasis Youth Shelter, he appreciates the opportunity it provided. “This saves people. It genuinely helps people and allows you to still have luxuries like wifi and showers. It kept me off the streets and gave me a second chance. I got more time and I was able to get a job.” Christian now has stable housing, is finishing high school while doing Running Start, and preparing to move into a career as a shipping handler. He recently purchased a car and insurance.

Christian has a bright future ahead and is passionate about his various hobbies. He has been interested in animation for a long time, enjoys skating, and is excited to get back into Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. He taught himself Japanese and studied Mandarin as well. He is trying to get into guitar and ukulele. He also enjoys strength and agility training and wants to get into parkour.

He looks forward to what the future holds, “I hope to have kids at some point and give them the life I wasn’t provided. I want to learn as much as I can, so when I have kids and they’re my age they can know what I know and expand on it.”