Christian's Story

On a winter day in early 2020, the local police department made the wise decision to drop Christian off at Villa of Hope’s Watertower Park offices.

As is the case with many individuals dealing with mental health concerns, Christian had no benefits, no medications, no needed services or supports, and no home. It was cold out, and he was living on the streets. He was only 28 years old.

Christian was initially disoriented and could not even carry on a conversation. He was connected immediately with Jennifer, a Villa Health Homes Care Manager, who worked with the Villa’s liaison at the Department of Social Services to get him immediate health care. He was in a shelter that night.

Villa staff worked tirelessly to arrange mental health counseling and medication for Christian. Improvement was remarkable. Today, Christian has his own room in a rooming house, and is no longer in a shelter. He has set goals. He is in constant communication with Jennifer, stays focused, and is grateful.

He will soon start a new job – his first in several years – at Dollar Tree. But the best news is that he has just been accepted to MCC into the program he had always dreamed of pursuing!

Thank you, Christian, for accepting help, and for showing us the power of hope.