A couple of years ago, HOME’s Outreach workers met an autistic youth who was sleeping in Wilson and Minto Brown Island parks. Life in parks and homeless camps kept him surrounded by abuse, drug addiction, and survival sex. As a result, he felt distrust and disconnected from the community as a whole.
The team established a trusting relationship with the youth who began coming to HOME for the positive, safe environment, meals and other basic needs assistance. Working with the RHY Team and community partners, he was accepted into Job Corps. The experience at Job Corps was quite a challenge and he often wanted to quit. He frequently called HOME to talk with staff and, when he had breaks, would stop by for visits. With this support and that of the Job Corps staff, along with his personal strong commitment, he recently graduated from the program having gained self discipline, a sense of self worth, and needed employment skills.
He came into our office this month to let us know he has been accepted at Linn Benton Community College. He stated that without the support of HOME and the RHY Program he would still be homeless and living on the streets of Salem. He hopes one day to tell his story to local youth and community members so that he may bring hope and encouragement to youth who have found themselves in similar circumstances.
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