Success Stories

Finding Safety: Camron’s Story
	For Camron, YS’ Transitional Living Program offered safety and the chance to begin a new life. Camron left home, and an abusive stepmother, a year ago. “If I hadn’t come here I’d probably be on the streets,” conjectures Camron, who got his first black eye at the age of five. More >>
Living Independently: Jasmine’s Story
	“Getting out on your own is tough,” emphasizes Jasmine, who left home, and a difficult childhood, at 14. Since then, she’s worked hard at a variety of jobs, obtained a GED, married, had a child, divorced, and completed several college courses. More >>
Street Outreach Program: Carrie's Story
	Carrie was kicked out of her house at age 17 when her parents learned of her pregnancy. When she came to the Street Outreach Program, she was literally sleeping in a hole in the ground in the hills of Santa Fe. Staff helped Carrie get housing and medical care. She gave birth to a healthy baby, and now lives in her own apartment and is in nursing school.

Stories of Youth

These unprecedented economic time cause compounding hardships for homeless and in-crisis youth

• Two years ago, 18 year old Marty came to Street Outreach for help finding a job and safe place to stay. Staff helped her secure an administrative position at a local construction company. Unfortunately, she was recently laid off due to the slumping economy. Marty is now back on the street and the Street Outreach staff are providing the support she needs.
  
  
• Last week a young woman came to the Shelter. She reported the following, “I came to Youth Shelters because you helped my friend when she ran away. All the kids on the street know about you and that you help kids. My aunt was letting me sleep on her couch and now her boyfriend wants me out. I came to see if you could help me find a place to stay. I know you have apartments for older kids and I would really like to get into one. I am going to school and it is really hard to study and get there on time when I am sleeping outside.” Although she was too old for the shelter, she was eligible for our Transitional Living Program. Within a few days of submitting her application she was accepted into the program. She is still in school and looking for a job.
  
  
• At a recent Thanksgiving Party at Street Outreach, before the meal, everyone had an opportunity to say what they are thankful for. One young woman stated, “I am thankful for Street Outreach. Without this great program I wouldn’t have been able to prepare my resume and find some really good clothes for a job interview. It is hard to couch surf and keep it all together to go and find a job. I have used several programs and they always help me.”