“Since coming to the Mission, I'm more hopeful.”

Stephen's early life began in Kansas and eventually, California. He made his way to Washington as an adult for an electrical engineering job.

“I got my degree in physics and worked for major companies.”

During a rough patch and after losing his job, Stephen became unhoused. Thanks to a kind police officer, he was led to Bread of Life Mission.

“My biggest fear at that time was not being able to survive, not having food or money to work with at that point.”

“My own fault. I got myself into some problems.” Stephen says. "And it's been helpful staying here because it's given me a chance to be somewhat grounded while I'm trying to to find a job.

"Before I came to the mission, I was in a pretty bad spot. I was pretty low at that point. It was a pretty big shock to be unemployed and unhoused."

While there is a percentage of homeless individuals who suffer from substance abuse, this was not the case for Stephen. "Different than the average person - I'm a high functioning autistic and I just never got into drugs."

Stephen enrolled in the Life Path program and encountered staff that were eager to help him rather than judge him. At Bread of Life, men are enrolled in a variety of classes about different topics such as: anger management, financial literacy, and substance abuse help.

Since coming to the Mission, Stephen is more hopeful and looking forward to the future. "They've helped get me to the point where I can where I will be able to get a job," he says. "I'm thankful to the Mission because they have given me that support and given me a chance."

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