Stephen’s journey took him from Kansas to California before he settled in Washington for an electrical engineering job. After losing his job, he became unhoused and faced fears of survival without food or money. A police officer directed him to the Bread of Life Mission, where he found support during a challenging time. Stephen acknowledges his struggles, saying, “My own fault. I got myself into some problems.” He describes his situation as shocking, as he had never faced unemployment or homelessness before.

At the Mission, Stephen enrolled in the Life Path program, which offers various classes, including anger management and financial literacy. Unlike many homeless individuals, Stephen does not struggle with substance abuse; he identifies as a high-functioning autistic person. The staff at Bread of Life provided him with understanding and assistance without judgment. Thanks to their support, Stephen feels more hopeful about the future and is optimistic about finding a job. He expresses gratitude for the Mission, stating, “They’ve helped get me to the point where I will be able to get a job.”