Program Highlight: Youth House

Mike moved to Minnesota from across the country after meeting who he thought was the love of his life online. Their relationship soon turned toxic and he turned to a friend for a place to stay. Unfortunately, he was not able to stay with his friend long and ended up sleeping on the floor of an overcrowded shelter where he experienced many challenges.

Mike found it difficult to maintain employment because his work shifts would end after the shelter’s curfew, leaving him with nowhere to go. He was forced to haul all his belongings with him each day for fear that they would get stolen. Mike’s wallet and his vital documents had already been stolen soon after he came to the shelter.

During this time, Mike met with the Catholic Charites Street Outreach Worker who provided him with community resource information, including the Catholic Charities Youth House. After a tour and meeting with the staff, Mike shared that he felt safe and thought he could make positive changes in his life.

While at the Youth House, staff helped Mike obtain medical insurance, food assistance and his vital documents so he could gain new employment. Before long, he was working full-time and had created a savings plan. Mike was feeling inspired and developed a plan for his future. With staff assistance, Mike completed the financial aid and admission applications to St. Cloud State University. He was accepted into the honor’s program where he will be studying graphic design.

Just as Mike’s life was getting brighter, tragedy struck. He received a phone call late one night in July and was told his sister had died unexpectedly after battling kidney disease. Catholic Charities staff assisted with travel plans so he could attend the funeral. Although his family begged him to not come back to Minnesota, he knew he needed to return for his chance at a better life.

Upon his return, staff assisted him in the final steps of becoming a full-time college student. On August 17th, 2023, the Youth House staff moved Mike into the dorms and made sure he had the items he needed to start this new chapter of his life. When saying ‘farewell’ to the Youth House staff, Mike asked if he could come back and visit. The staff told him he would always be welcome and that they would always be there to support him.

Learn more about this program at https://www.ccstcloud.org/services/housing/homeless-youth#youthhouse.