Sam was 17.
Homeless.
Surviving the only way he could.
“Please help me. I’m scared to talk to anyone. I feel I’m trapped in this life and I don’t know how to get out. Please help me.”
These are the words that Sam left on the computer screen in a Salvation Army mobile outreach van one night. He was 17 and homeless when we came in contact with him.
Fortunately, Sam left his email address on the computer screen as well and we were able to catch up with him. Over time he gradually opened up about his life.
After running away from an abusive home, Sam was taken advantage of by a predatory criminal who got young people hooked on drugs, forcing them to continue working to pay off their debts.
Sam was lost in a downward spiral of homelessness, drug addiction and abuse. He was terrified, alone and trapped.
We were able to help Sam. At one of our crisis centres he found friends who offered support without judgement, and a safe way out of the terrifying life he was trapped in. We were able to help Sam find his place and give him the skills and support to break free from homelessness.
As you read this, more than 44,000 sons and daughters like Sam have nowhere to call home. It’s urgent we reach out and help them escape that life . . . before it becomes a lifetime.
Without the public's support we would not be able to help the thousands of youth, who tonight will be living on the streets.
Please donate to the Red Shield Appeal today.