When Key* was 7 years old, his mom sold him to a man for drug money. After being abused by that man for many years, Key moved out when he was 13. He stayed in a tent in the woods, and over the years floated in and out of homelessness. “Homeless is all I know. It’s hard to break a habit when it’s all you know,” Key said.

With no one looking out for him, Key barely attended school. Drugs and alcohol became his weapons to combat the trauma, loneliness, and depression. “I did anything to numb the pain,” Key said.

Three months ago, Key wanted change but didn’t know what to do. A friend told him to check out the Coffee Oasis. So he did. He met some of the staff, and got connected with a case manager. Now, Key has a home. “I came here with nothing. And now I have a family.”

Key has been sober for 3 months, and clean from drugs for the past 3 years. In 2011 he studied hard and passed his GED. He has just completed his job classes and is starting an Oasis job internship next week! We celebrate these milestones with him! Old habits do die hard and a lifetime of homelessness and pain isn’t wiped clean overnight, but Key displays a tenacity and hope to live a different life than what he has known.

He credits his sobriety and desire to change to a faith in Jesus. Key shared, “God’s word is: ‘Everybody is welcome back. Nobody should be pushed away.’” And he lives that out in his own life by volunteering at the center, cleaning the space and welcoming other kids in.

We are grateful to be able to stand with Key and other kids like him. Will you join us?

*Key is the youth’s street name

Your gift will create opportunities for Key and other kids like him to have family
and to break the cycle of homelessness and hurt in their lives.