The Things They Carry: James
Homeless youth carry heavy things that can’t fit into a backpack. They carry the loneliness of being ignored, the heartache of being abandoned, and the anxiety of having to fend for themselves. The Things They Carry is a four-part series about how The Salvation Army is helping homeless youth in the Twin Cities. You can help them too by giving online or becoming a bell ringer.
James lives at a Salvation Army youth housing facility in St. Paul.
He carries the burden of helplessness.
“I didn’t really have (a childhood) due to the fact that I didn’t have any choice in my life,” the 18-year-old said. “My life was governed by others. I did what I had to do to survive.”
Prior to arriving at The Salvation Army, James had been homeless for an undisclosed amount of time.
James grew up in St. Paul, not far from where he’s living now – The Salvation Army Booth Brown House youth housing facility (pictured). He is one of 25 youth ages 18–24 enrolled in the facility’s Permanent Supportive Housing program, which provides long-term housing and endless support from Salvation Army caseworkers.
Slowly but surely, James’ feelings of helplessness are beginning to fade. They are being replaced with feelings of empowerment.
“I’ve had a bunch of little accomplishments that have added up,” James said proudly. “I’ve opened up a bank account, gotten a credit card, and obtained a new job. And I’ve been working on music.”
He loves making music. He does it every morning when he wakes up, and every night before he goes to bed.
He also loves his Salvation Army caseworkers. He views them as role models.
“They actually care,” James said. “They are like what parents should be when raising children.”
James has been living at Booth Brown House since September. He is thankful for the place and wants to stay there for the foreseeable future.
“My goal is to keep my apartment,” said James, who pays rent on a sliding scale. “I like the things that Booth Brown House has to offer. The best part of being here is how manageable it is for me.”
Poverty is an everyday battle and sometimes, people don’t win. But there is an army made of generous people like you dedicated to fighting to make sure everyone has a safe place to sleep. They’re in every town and every city, and you can join them in their fight for good by giving online or recruiting your own army as a fundraiser on FundraiseForGood.org, or becoming a volunteer bell ringer.
* Real name changed. Photo for illustrative purposes.