“I’m very kind-hearted. I care about people. I really love animals. I hate violence. I’m just a very peaceful person.”
David is soft-spoken, compassionate, and deeply thoughtful—the kind of person who never imagined he would experience homelessness.
“I’m very kind-hearted. I care about people. I really love animals. I hate violence. I’m just a very peaceful person.”
After graduating high school, David found himself without the support of his parents and suddenly facing life on his own. Growing up in a household affected by substance use, he was familiar with instability, but he was unprepared for the realities of homelessness. As he struggled to cope, he eventually turned to substances himself.
His first connection to support came through Captain Community Human Services, where he received a tent and basic supplies. It was there that he learned about Shelters of Saratoga’s Code Blue Shelter, an emergency winter shelter that offered warmth, safety, and meals during the coldest months of the year.
While grateful for the shelter, David found the environment challenging. Quiet and reserved by nature, he struggled with some of the social dynamics and ultimately decided that returning to life outdoors was the right choice for him at that time.
Even then, David never lost touch with Shelters of Saratoga. During his interview, he gave special recognition to the Outreach Team, whose staff consistently checked on him, tracked him down when necessary, and made sure he had food, supplies, and support.
When concerns for David’s safety escalated, outreach staff located him during a blizzard behind Price Chopper and brought him back into care. Through the support of Allison and the Shelters of Saratoga team, David was offered placement in SOS’s Supportive Housing Program, where he has since found stability in a safe and supportive environment.
For David, the SOS staff provide support that ensures he stays on track. He noted that therapy has been transformative. Through ongoing support, he has begun rebuilding his relationship with himself – learning self-respect, self-compassion, and what it means to feel at home in his own life.
When asked what he wishes people understood about homelessness, David shared:
“We’re humans like everyone else. There are so many different people I’ve met. People who worked hard their entire lives, people who have lost someone important to them. You can’t group an entire collection of people into one category.”
Today, David continues to focus on healing, growth, and building a future for himself. He remains deeply grateful for the people and programs that supported him when he needed them most.
His advice to anyone currently experiencing homelessness is simple but powerful:
“Try to find the resources available—go to shelters, churches, and anywhere offering support. Eventually, you’ll find people who genuinely care about you. You’ll find people who want to help, and you’ll meet others who understand what you’re going through. You don’t have to do it alone. If you’re like me and were dealt a bad hand with unfit parents, know that your parents aren’t everything. It’s okay. You can do it without them.”