“I’m finally ready to turn myself in. Will you help me?” Mike* told me through tears.

Then he hugged me and held on like he was the returning Prodigal Son. Slightly intoxicated, Mike pulled up his sleeve to show me the track marks from shooting up on his arms. “I’m going to die if I stay out here,” Mike told me.

Mike has been in and out of The Coffee Oasis since he was a young man. Always staying just long enough to be sure that we care and then falling backward into the death-grip of life on the streets. Even though Mike is now outside of our age range (13-25 years old) this is where he comes when he is ready for change.

10-years-ago Mike was accidentally shot by his brother. Recovery was hard. His body was already depleted from drug abuse and the gunshot made him even more gaunt and frail. Just a few years later he lost his father. These sorrows always seem present on his mind. He carries them and tries to chase them away with drink and drugs.

Not today, though. We don’t know if this is the last time Mike will be in this desperate place, but we will walk with him. Today Mike is walking out of the dark. He is walking towards HOPE.

Will you walk with us?

*youth’s name changed to respect identity

 

Thank you for joining us in creating opportunities for homeless youth.