Too often, an argument at home can become more than an argument. A teenager runs away; a young adult is pushed out of their home; a parent cuts off communication; siblings take sides.

When that happens, it can result in someone experiencing homelessness, often for the first time and not knowing how to find their way back.

That’s what happened to Nathaniel. He grew up in Sanford in a large family, but as he neared adulthood, family dynamics pushed him to the streets. Not knowing where to go, he showed up at Rescue Outreach Mission.

“It was rough, and it just wasn’t a good experience,’ Nathaniel says. “But I was young and just starting to understand what it was like to be homeless.”

Rescue Outreach Mission’s team evaluates each guest’s circumstances, tries to show some of the reasons that may have caused them to experience homelessness, and then provides a plan that includes working, finding available benefits, and more.

It is then up to the guest to follow through, using their stay at Rescue Outreach Mission to build savings and job history.

Nathaniel’s recent return was very different. He’s now 21 years old and after experiencing homelessness for the past year, he found a job in a brewery and came to Rescue Outreach Mission to get the help he needed to find a place to live.

 He shows a tremendous smile when he looks at his future, one that includes a job, a car, and a new apartment.

“I really couldn’t picture that I would be here at this moment,” he says. “Anyone who comes here needs to listen to their case manager. Paul has been tremendous in helping me get to where I am today.”