The Power of Housing: My Journey from Homelessness to Empowering Others

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Creating Opportunities for Youth to Thrive

Growing up in Chicago, my life was anything but easy. My family struggled with housing insecurity, and I experienced firsthand what it’s like not to have a place to call home. Those early years shaped me in ways I couldn't fully understand at the time, but looking back now, I see how they prepared me for the work I do today.

Homelessness is not just about a lack of shelter—it’s about the instability, the lack of opportunities, and the overwhelming sense of being stuck in a cycle you can’t escape. Yet, through those hardships, I learned that housing is more than just four walls and a roof. It’s the foundation for everything else in life—education, health, stability, and, most importantly, hope.

As the CEO of La Casa Norte, an organization dedicated to serving youth and families experiencing homelessness, I am driven by the belief that housing is a fundamental human right. Every young person we support at La Casa Norte deserves not only shelter but also the opportunity to thrive. Because when youth are given the stability of a home, they have the chance to focus on their futures—on education, career goals, and breaking free from the barriers that homelessness creates.

This is why I believe so strongly in the power of housing. It’s not just about providing a bed for the night. It’s about giving young people the stability they need to realize their potential. When a person has a safe, stable place to call home, everything changes. Their dreams no longer seem out of reach—they can envision a future filled with possibilities.

At La Casa Norte, we’ve seen how housing has transformed lives. Young people, once caught in the cycle of homelessness, are now thriving—pursuing education, finding jobs, and becoming leaders in their communities. Housing is the catalyst for this kind of change. It is what enables youth to break free from the constraints of poverty and build a life they can be proud of.

Why This Work Matters

In my recent talk, The Power of Housing, I shared my personal story not to look back with regret but to highlight the critical importance of providing youth with the opportunities I didn’t always have. The support of stable housing is what unlocks the potential in every young person.

Every day, we work to break the cycle of homelessness for youth in our communities, and we’ve made incredible strides. But there’s still so much more to be done. And that’s where you come in.

I believe that lasting change is possible when we all come together to invest in the future. Providing housing isn’t just a one-time fix—it’s a long-term commitment to the well-being of our young people, our communities, and our collective future.

Join Me in Empowering Youth

If you believe in the power of housing as I do, I invite you to get involved. Whether it’s through supporting La Casa Norte’s mission, spreading awareness, or even listening to my talk, you can make a difference.

Together, we can ensure that every young person has the opportunity to thrive. Housing is the foundation for that success, and with your help, we can continue to create a future where every young person knows the power of stability and hope.

Thank you for allowing me to share this journey and for your support in helping La Casa Norte continue to be a beacon of hope for so many.

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