“When I moved into transitional housing, it was the first time I had a key that could actually open my own door. That was an amazing experience.”
Originally from Cameroon, Jude became homeless when he encountered trouble changing his immigration status from international student to permanent resident. During the three years he fought his case, he was barred from legal employment. Unable to stay with friends or pay rent, Jude eventually found his way to Our Saviour’s Shelter.
Fortunately, Jude won his permanent resident status during his shelter stay and started working as a technical support analyst, troubleshooting computer issues over the phone. But he wasn’t quite ready to go out on his own. Our Saviour’s Transitional Housing Program offered the time and stability he needed to save money and go back to school. He enrolled in a part-time bachelor’s program in IT management to add to his associate’s degree in computer science.
After five months in transitional housing, Jude moved into his own apartment, where he continues to stay today. He’s working two IT jobs that he really enjoys and maintains a 4.0gpa in school! He expects to graduate in spring of 2017.
Looking back on his experience at Our Saviour’s, Jude reflects, “It was wonderful because before I came to OSH, I spent all the money I had in motels after staying with friends. I was really struggling. Having a space in the shelter was a blessing. When I moved into the housing program, it was the first time I had a key that could actually open my own door. That was an amazing experience. I’m grateful because Our Saviour’s gave me the opportunity to move on and make my life better.”