Meet Shawn, a YMCA Supportive Housing Campus Resident

Health issues, financial difficulties, family instability — Shawn has had his fair share of bumps in the road, including homelessness. Hear how he’s been overcoming these barriers to secure not only stable housing but his dream job, too.

As a child, Shawn was diagnosed with spinal meningitis and a hearing impairment, and at age 7 was struck by a car. His family had financial problems and moved around frequently, and he has struggled his entire life with communication. All of these issues affected Shawn’s employment and relationships, leading to frequent homelessness.

But Shawn has a team behind him now. With consistent support, job coaching and guidance from the YMCA Supportive Housing Campus, Eyerly Ball, Goodwill and the Evelyn K. Davis Center, Shawn has been able to tackle these obstacles.

Shawn pays full rent on his own, manages his finances and has maintained stable housing for two years. He is nearing his one-year anniversary at his dream job as an audio visual installer. Shawn has also become more independent (including learning how to cook for himself) and has developed into a more effective communicator. He even received an award in November at Opening Doors: Celebrating Stories from Homelessness to Hope for his efforts and transformation, serving as a shining example of triumph in the face of hardships.

Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your story, Shawn!