Last year, 19-year old Dan* walked into the Oasis Hope Homes Teen Shelter. He was tired of living on the streets, and needed a safe place to stay.

Five years ago, as he was growing up in Bremerton, Dan regularly went to the Oasis Center to shoot pool and hang out with friends. Like many young people, Dan was faced with a lot of challenges as he grew up. He stopped coming to the Coffee Oasis. He began using drugs. His lifestyle took a more dangerous, damaging turn.

When he came to the shelter, Dan had been homeless for about a year and a half.

He had a 3-year old daughter who he loved, but his lifestyle and drug use prevented him from being an active part of her life. Dan wanted to change that.

So he began case management through the Coffee Oasis. Staff and other youth supported and encouraged him as he worked to stay clean.

After being at the shelter for a little while, a milestone was reached: Dan was able to attend his daughter’s birthday party for the first time.

When youth try to leave the streets, they are faced with a mountain of difficulties. It can seem as if the world is shutting them out. But when a community draws around them to offer love and opportunity, it makes all the difference. They see their world begin to change.

*name changed to respect youth’s identity

 

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