David* dreams of becoming a flight paramedic, serving on a helicopter emergency response team, where every second counts. Thousands of feet in the air, he’ll start an IV line, intubate a patient if needed and make in-the-moment decisions that could help save a person’s life. In moments of crisis—when everything feels out of control—he’ll be the calm, reassuring presence people need most.
“Only the best of the best can be a flight medic,” David explains, and he’s made sacrifices to bring that goal within reach. Chief among them was the bold decision to leave his home in South America, where he had lived since age 7, and return to the United States, where he was born, to pursue his career. “I left my friends, family and practically my whole life in Colombia,” says David. But he knew that if he wanted a better future, he’d have to get on a plane.
When he touched down in the U.S., the harsh realities of his new situation took hold. Facing instability and experiencing homelessness, David sought out available resources. He got involved with Breaktime, a nonprofit that helps young people access jobs and build financial stability, and was referred to Liberty Village, The Home’s emergency group home. Three months later, David transitioned to Roxbury Village, our longer-term housing program for young adults experiencing homelessness who are enrolled in school, working or both.
Grateful for the safe landing The Home provided, David joined the Boston CoC Youth Council, a group of young adults with lived experience of homelessness who help shape and improve the services and systems designed to support them at the government level. Much of his role involves sharing information about available resources through social media with other young adults who don’t know where to turn.
He wants for them what he’s had. In the two years he has received support, David has been steadily building his savings and a strong foundation. “They’ve helped me in every way I’ve needed. Living in a place like this builds discipline and a sense of autonomy. At the end of the day, you’re an adult, and you need to develop adult skills to be able to succeed.”
David earned his EMT certification from Boston University, and he’s working full-time to gain the experience he needs to begin paramedic coursework at Bunker Hill Community College this fall. He is now moving into an apartment of his own to make room for someone else to rise; he stayed at Roxbury Village only as long as he needed, so another young adult can have the wings to fly.
*Young adult’s name has been changed for privacy.
