Thomas’s first experience with homelessness was in 1996, living on the streets of San Diego, California. Those were tough times: Thomas was on his own, just trying to stay safe and make it through another day. By that point in his life, that wasn’t exactly a new struggle for Thomas.
‍
Thomas grew up poor, and without a mother. While his dad worked, Thomas and his two brothers looked after themselves.

“I grew up unsupervised mostly and had to learn to do most things by myself,” says Thomas. “Cooking, cleaning, washing my own clothes…”‍

It was a difficult childhood for Thomas. There were better times as he got older, but things never really stayed easy.

Thomas has ADHD, depression, and PTSD. On top of all that, Thomas has diplopia (double vision),which prevents him from driving. He has worked for most of his life despite these challenges.

About two years ago, Thomas moved back to his hometown to look for a job. But opportunities were more limited than he expected. His inability to drive made the search even more difficult.

“I was stuck in the middle of nowhere in the winter with no income,” says Thomas.

Fortunately, he was able to stay with friends for a while. They helped him get to the Mission.

“I knew [the Mission] was a good place to start over again,” Thomas says. “The Mission treated me with respect, and I got along with most of the other clients there.”‍

Thomas was easy to work with and grateful for any available help. Bobbie, one of the Mission social workers, helped him apply for housing and a rent help program.

Once Thomas left the Mission, he ended up moving back to Minnesota. There, he found an apartment and a security job. For a time, Thomas was paying for Uber rides to and from work, which was a huge financial drain. He recently found a new job which is much closer to his home.

Things still aren’t easy for Thomas – money is tight, and it takes resilience to stay on track. But he’scome a long way from living on the streets and couch surfing.

“I am proud of the fact that I keep going in the face of adversity,” says Thomas.‍
‍
Thomas isn’t forgetting the people who helped him get to this point.
‍
“[The Mission] was a blessing in my life when I had none,” he says. “I’ll never forget who was therefor me when I had nothing and nowhere to go.

“To the donors of Northlands Rescue Mission, I would like to say, ‘Thank you for all you do. You may not see it, or hear it enough, but your help is greatly appreciated by all of the clients at the Mission.’”
‍
Friends: Temperatures are dropping, and people like Thomas need you this winter.
Will you donate today to give someone safety and hope for the future?‍‍