Finding Refuge at Downtown View

“It was the best and worst moment of my life,” said Antonio*, who came to the United States as a refugee from Africa. “I had to leave my mom, brother and sister but I knew I came here for a better life.” After arriving in Minnesota, he struggled to find acceptable housing and often stayed at shelters. “I started working at a young age at Central Avenue Car Wash. I remember – 1814 Central in Northeast Minneapolis,” he said.

Coming to YouthLink was a revelation – “I thank God for YouthLink,” he says. “I’m thankful to the people I’ve met here in so many ways. They make sure we get everything we need from food to cleaning supplies.” When asked if there is a particular staff person who has most impacted his life he replied, “Shoutout to Albert. He always checks on me to find out how I’m feeling. He’s very important to me because I know I can reach out to him.” Albert Ware, Youth Advocate at YouthLink, says the feeling is mutual. “Antonio is a good kid who is always positive and striving to be better. I like to keep him close.”

Now stably housed at Downtown View, Antonio talked about what it is like to be in your own place instead of a shelter. “It’s just calming and soothing,” he says. “You have peace. You can listen to music, you can write, you can clear your mind.” This stability helped him graduate from high school – “When I walked the stage and got my degree that was a highlight for me.” Two things he is striving toward include getting his driver’s license and becoming a U.S. citizen. “I’m still a refugee to this day but I’m trying to be a good guy and help others,” he says. “I thank YouthLink for being patient with me. Someone compliments me in the littlest way…that’s something money can’t buy. Pure kindness.”

*Name changed to protect client privacy