“Keys to Change is a shining star in the darkness of being homeless. That’s because of the dedicated people like Michael, who work hard to give you a hand up to change your situation.
My story isn’t what people expect.Â
I didn’t become homeless because of drugs or mental illness. I was hit by a car while riding my bike. The driver took off and left me for dead in the street.Â
I couldn’t work for over a month. My savings ran out. Bills piled up. Eventually, I couldn’t keep up anymore. The constabel showed up. I was evicted.
I ended up living out of my minivan.Â
I was still working, just trying to survive.Â
I met Michael while I was at Hope Church waiting to take a shower. At first, I didn’t believe what he was telling me. It sounded too good to be true. But it wasn’t.
He didn’t sugarcoat anything. He told me exactly what he could do and offered me a real opportunity – a hand up, not a handout.Â
Because I had a job, Michael helped get me inot a shelter called Respiro. That changed everything. I had a bed, a place to shower, and people who were actually working on my behalf.Â
I took the opportunity seriously.
I worked six days a week. I saved every dollar I could.
Eventually, that hand up became real. I got back on my feet. I have a place of my own again.Â
I owe that to Keys to Change and to Michael. He kept his word. He showed up and followed through.Â
There are real people out there doing real work that changes lives.Â
I’m proof of that.”
