Nelson is one of our graduates who is a great example of someone who felt hopeless and needed help. He was living at the Navigation Center where the Homeless Court Program was introduced to him. He had court cases and fines as well as an arrest warrant. He was addicted to methamphetamines, making his future seem dismal. In addition, he sustained an injury while incarcerated, and he blamed law enforcement for his inability to be employed. Nelson needed relief from the weight of his court cases and fines, as well as help moving forward in life in a more positive direction.

He did qualify for the Homeless Court Program, and that meant that he needed to get busy with community service hours to satisfy his court cases and fines. He jumped in, eager to get his court issues behind him. His community service was performed at the Navigation Center by sweeping and mopping the large floors, cleaning table tops and chairs, and working in the kitchen. Over time, Nelson was able to complete enough community service hours to have his court fines dismissed. He did so well that he applied for and received a paying job at the Navigation Center, and he is now living at one of the Mission’s Transition to Hope houses. He received his driver’s license for the first time in a dozen years, passing his DMV test with a 100%.

Nelson’s future now looks bright. In his own words, Nelson says, “I am profoundly grateful to the Mission for offering me a second chance at a good life and a promising future. With heartfelt sincerity, I extend my deepest thanks for everything you have done for me.”