YouthHope Foundation | PO Box 7803 Redlands, CA 92375 US
2026 Stories
From The Streets To Success
I was born into poverty.
As a young kid, we barely made it each month. I didn’t get to live like normal kids, because we didn't have any money. My parents tried their best, but their jobs just didn’t pay like others.
Living with parents who worked a lot, meant that I was home alone and would wander the streets most of the day. This meant that I started getting in trouble early on in my life.
By the time I was a teenager, I was a drug addict. This continued into my early adult years. My parents kicked me out because of my drug use and I became homeless. I don’t blame anyone for the choices I made.
I started coming to YouthHope when I was homeless. They would help me with food and clothes and new socks when mine would get destroyed living on the streets.
They would encourage me to get off drugs and choose a healthier lifestyle. They helped me finish high school and they were there when I graduated.
One day I woke up wet from the rain, hungry from being on the streets and decided I was done.
That day I signed up to go UTI to become a welder. I started couch surfing while I was in school. It wasn't easy, but I am now a full time welder.
I have been able to save enough money that I just got my first apartment and I move in next week.
None of this would have happened without the continuous support from YouthHope. They are my family and have been there for me at my lowest and at my highest.
I’m so proud of myself and know that I can do anything that I set my mind to!
