For Brian*, the past few years have felt like a roller coaster.
As the oldest of his siblings, Brian grew up in a family facing significant challenges. After losing his father and experiencing instability at home due to his mother’s struggle with serious mental health diagnoses, Brian and his siblings were separated and moved frequently. Over time, he found himself increasingly on his own, without a stable home or family support system to rely on.
For nearly two years, Brian searched for somewhere stable to live. At times, he had nowhere to go, including nights when he slept on a bench outside his school.
“I didn’t really have much family to go to,” he recalls.
Eventually, Brian turned to people at his school for help. Because they already understood some of what he had been experiencing at home, they were able to connect him with support. That connection ultimately led Brian to Wesley Youth Housing.
For the first time in a long time, Brian had a safe place to call home. At Wesley Youth Housing he could close and lock his own door and feel secure.
Having that stability has given Brian something incredibly valuable: the time and space to focus on himself and his future. With support from Wesley’s youth workers, he has built trusting relationships, learned to set healthy boundaries, and continued developing the skills and confidence he needs to live independently.
Today, Brian has graduated from high school and is completing a trades program. He hopes to continue his education and pursue a career as a plumber. He credits the stability and opportunities he has found at Wesley with helping him believe that a stable, happy future is possible.
“If I wasn’t at Wesley, then I don’t think I’d be on that route,” he says.
When Brian talks about his experience, he is also quick to think about the young people who are still searching for the same stability he has found.
“We all have different stories,” Brian says. “I think we all deserve the same chance.”
Wesley Youth Housing supports young people ages 16 to 21 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Along with a safe place to live, youth receive support to build confidence and life skills, stay in school, find and maintain employment, and work toward long-term independence.
For Brian, that support has changed more than where he lives. It has given him the stability to focus on where he wants to go next.
*Brian’s name and image have been changed to protect his identity and confidentiality.
