Meet Mr. Kelvin! A National Guard veteran who is now on a path to recover his family. Read more about his journey home and the challanges he faced during the times he had no place to call home.
Originally from Georgia, Mr. Kelvin grew up in a hardworking family alongside his four sisters. With a father who served in the military and a mother who was always working. He learned early on the value of discipline and perseverance. He later followed a similar path of service, spending four years in the National Guard before building a career in apartment maintenance.
For a time, life felt stable. Mr. Kelvin had a job, a routine, and most importantly, a young daughter in Austin who meant everything to him. But after making the courageous decision to enter rehab, his path to recovery lead to more difficult life. Today, he proudly celebrates being sober for a year and a half! An incredible milestone.
When Mr. Kelvin returned from rehab, he learned that he had lost his job. His employers claimed they did not know where he was and even paperwork and proof of his accomplishments would not secure him his job. Without a steady income, he soon found himself facing eviction. Determined to move forward, he fought his case in court while continuing to apply for jobs. Eventually, he secured new employment, but housing remained out of reach due to policies that required him to wait before moving into an apartment where he worked.
During this time, Mr. Kelvin experienced homelessness in Austin. He slept in his car, relied on his sister for occasional hotel stays, and stretched his money by eating only once or twice a day. In one of the most difficult decisions he’s had to make, he temporarily sent his daughter to live with her mother while he worked to regain housing stability.
Mr. Kelvin found community through his church, where he connected with others facing similar struggles. It was there that he first heard about Front Steps.
After reaching out, he quickly connected with a case manager and was met with immediate support.
“I was surprised they were going to help me right away,” he shared.
Through supportive services in Austin provided by Front Steps, Mr. Kelvin was able to secure housing. Today, he has a place to call home and is focused on rebuilding his life. Starting with reuniting with his daughter.
Looking ahead, Mr. Kelvin is filled with purpose. He hopes to return to school to study psychology and become a youth counselor, using his lived experience to help guide others through difficult times.
His message to others facing homelessness or hardship is this:
“Don’t give up. There are people willing to help you but, if you don’t ask, you won’t know.”
To those who support organizations like Front Steps, he shares his gratitude:
“Everybody is not bad. We can all teach each other something. Don’t be afraid to ask.”
You can be part of stories like Mr. Kelvin’s. Your support helps provide housing, stability, and hope to neighbors experiencing homelessness in Austin.
to Front Steps and help someone take their next step home.