Hope4Youth Sponsorship
Donation protected
Friends and Family,
My name is Brad Konik. I wanted to share this story. I’m involved with Hope4Youth (https://www.hope4youthmn.org/) as you may know.
Last week I visited HOPE Place, their transitional residential housing building. They have 12 single units, with kitchenettes, bathroom, etc. Residents can stay at HOPE Place for up to 2 years, as they transition from being homeless, and into permanent housing. During their time at HOPE Place, they are required to be in school or working. Advisors mentor them on budgets, communication, mental health, etc. (the list goes on and on). While visiting they shared a story of a young man. I wanted to share that story with you.
Because of confidentiality reasons, I don’t have all the “exact” details, but here is the overview:
He comes from a broken home, left home when he was 18 years old, moved into an apartment, quickly fell behind in rent, and was evicted. He was homeless on and off for the next 5 years until he found the Hope4Youth Drop-In Center. He became a regular visitor for food, support, clothes, etc. They were able to transition him into their HOPE Place (residential units). He found a job changing oil, and has since been trained on additional auto maintenance skills, and has had a steady job as a mechanic for nearly 2 years. His time at HOPE Place has run out, as they need to limit residents to 2 years maximum. Because of being evicted he has a Unlawful Detainer (UD) on his record. This was new to me, but after researching, it makes it almost impossible to get a lease. If he had not found a place to live, he would be homeless again. I made it my mission, not to allow this to happen. I tapped into my network and was referred to a family in Lakeville, that owns a property management company. They were willing to rent an apartment too him NEAR HIS WORK, despite having the UD on his record. However, the cost is $350/month than he's paying now. He can't afford that. :( I would like to raise $5000 on his behalf. This gives him 12 months to decide if he can budget for $1050/month, or for him to find more affordable housing. I’ve had tears of joy, many times over the past few days as this has all come together. This young man has overcome more in the past few years, than I will have to overcome in a lifetime. When told about the “sponsorship” and apartment he broke down into tears. We will be helping this young man move into his new place on April 5th. My goal is to positively impact people’s lives, and all I asked of him was that he do that same, and someday when he’s able, to pay it forward. He will pay it forward 10 times over. I’m sure of that. Thanks!!
My name is Brad Konik. I wanted to share this story. I’m involved with Hope4Youth (https://www.hope4youthmn.org/) as you may know.
Last week I visited HOPE Place, their transitional residential housing building. They have 12 single units, with kitchenettes, bathroom, etc. Residents can stay at HOPE Place for up to 2 years, as they transition from being homeless, and into permanent housing. During their time at HOPE Place, they are required to be in school or working. Advisors mentor them on budgets, communication, mental health, etc. (the list goes on and on). While visiting they shared a story of a young man. I wanted to share that story with you.
Because of confidentiality reasons, I don’t have all the “exact” details, but here is the overview:
He comes from a broken home, left home when he was 18 years old, moved into an apartment, quickly fell behind in rent, and was evicted. He was homeless on and off for the next 5 years until he found the Hope4Youth Drop-In Center. He became a regular visitor for food, support, clothes, etc. They were able to transition him into their HOPE Place (residential units). He found a job changing oil, and has since been trained on additional auto maintenance skills, and has had a steady job as a mechanic for nearly 2 years. His time at HOPE Place has run out, as they need to limit residents to 2 years maximum. Because of being evicted he has a Unlawful Detainer (UD) on his record. This was new to me, but after researching, it makes it almost impossible to get a lease. If he had not found a place to live, he would be homeless again. I made it my mission, not to allow this to happen. I tapped into my network and was referred to a family in Lakeville, that owns a property management company. They were willing to rent an apartment too him NEAR HIS WORK, despite having the UD on his record. However, the cost is $350/month than he's paying now. He can't afford that. :( I would like to raise $5000 on his behalf. This gives him 12 months to decide if he can budget for $1050/month, or for him to find more affordable housing. I’ve had tears of joy, many times over the past few days as this has all come together. This young man has overcome more in the past few years, than I will have to overcome in a lifetime. When told about the “sponsorship” and apartment he broke down into tears. We will be helping this young man move into his new place on April 5th. My goal is to positively impact people’s lives, and all I asked of him was that he do that same, and someday when he’s able, to pay it forward. He will pay it forward 10 times over. I’m sure of that. Thanks!!
Organizer
Brad Konik
Organizer
Lakeville, MN