When I left my mother’s house, I was 16 years old.  I was homeless for more than 5 years after that.

On the one hand, I liked the freedom of being homeless - there was never anyone to tell me what to do.  Then again, I also never knew where my next meal would come from. I lived on the street, and I lived in shelters.  Since I’m an impatient person, sometimes I would just have to leave where I was. 

I came to GCN when an outreach worker talked to me on the street at 47th and 3rd.  I felt pretty safe at GCN, and the food was good. I stayed for a while because I liked it. 

But then I had to start thinking about what I needed to do.  The case workers pushed me to do what was best for me, but I was the one that had to take action.

So I started doing paperwork and footwork. With my case worker’s help, I was able to go on one housing interview - and I got my apartment from it.  I was jumping up and down for joy! 

Now I want to keep after my goals.  I want to try to get my high school diploma, and I’ve been going to St. Vincent’s to get some dental work done.  I have to pay my rent every month, but I have some help with my roommate. 

I just have to keep on doing the right thing, and my advice to others is to do the same.  I know that if you keep on doing the right thing, eventually it works.

*Names have been changed to maintain client anonymity.