Tay is a very creative young man who likes to make music and create art. He cares deeply about people and shows it in the most playful ways. He is constantly making people laugh.

Tay turned to The Coffee Oasis for shelter after struggling with homelessness and couch surfing.

While staying at The Coffee Oasis Youth Shelter, Tay was able to enroll in school and start high school. He also set up dental and physical exams. Tay expressed that he felt comfortable during his stay at the shelter, “I feel like it’s a nice place. Yeah, I like it. They’re really good staff…I felt like if I did have to talk about something I could talk to someone.”

Tay has grown so much since he started living at The Coffee Oasis Youth Shelter. He has grown in his ability to use coping skills and has matured overall. A staff member commented on Tay’s growth saying, “When he first came in it was really hard for him to talk about his feelings or it was easy to get in a fight. Towards the end, he would remove himself if needed and say he couldn’t handle it. We are so proud of him.”

Tay is currently working towards moving into an apartment with his sister. One day, he hopes to work in housing.

Story Written by: Caryn Wright and Shelley Benjamin // Date Written: September 13, 2023