While attending a Alternative Education Program, Karl* was referred to Listening Ear Crisis Center’s Transitional Living Program (TLP) by his school counselor. When we first began speaking with him, he was very shy and closed off. But as he talked with the TLP Worker, he started to feel more comfortable and details of his unstable and unsafe living situation came to light. Karl shared that he was sleeping on a hardwood floor in the corner of a trailer, owned by friends of his brother. Even though they had an extra room and a bed to sleep on, they gave him a pillow and a blanket and told him to sleep on the floor.

Some time went on, and we stayed in contact with Karl to make sure he knew we were there to help him. Eventually, he called to tell us that he could not remain where he was, that he was not comfortable or safe there. The TLP Worker went to work immediately. The first step was making sure he had a safe place to sleep. Luckily, there was space a spot for him at the local shelter where he could stay until a more permanent home was available. Karl was thankful for the TLP Worker who offered to drive him to the shelter after he picked up his belongings from the trailer where he was staying. Because he did not feel safe entering the home on his own, we were able to get a police escort into the home so he could gather his things without any problems.

While Karl was staying in the shelter, they worked with him to complete a Bridge Card application, obtain insurance, and searched for a permanent and stable home for him to live. After several different housing options fell through, a family graciously reached out to offer their home. At first, Karl was not interested in living with the family. With his past experiences, he was nervous and concerned that he wouldn’t fit in. But, he decided to take a chance and made some visits to the home to meet the family. Within a couple visits, his worries vanished and he was excited to move in.

Since he has lived in this home, Karl now has a Bridge Card and insurance for himself. He let us know that he is now safe and comfortable. He’s laughing and smiling. Karl is so grateful for the help he received from Transitional Living Program and is working hard to achieve the goals that he has set for himself.

You Can Help, Too

If you are willing to open your home up to a teenager for an emergency, short-term (21 days), or long term situation, please let us know. We have a desperate need in our local community to help these young people have stable, healthy, and safe places to live. To find out how to get the process started, please contact us at [email protected] or give us a call at (989)772-2918.

*Name has been changed.