Ethan – HPC Young Adult Housing Success

When Ethan was just 15, his world turned upside down. His family unraveled—his stepmom left, his father went to prison, and both of his grandparents passed away within a short time. Then, his uncle was incarcerated as well.

With no stable home, Ethan found himself moving between different living situations—first with a family friend, then with a coworker, sharing a cramped trailer with his brother. Getting to work and school became a constant struggle.

That’s when a social worker stepped in and introduced Ethan to Hillcrest. Ethan and his brother joined the Hillcrest program, and his life began to change. While at Hillcrest, Ethan worked hard and met a community of people who cared about him, including his apartment sponsors, who taught him how to cook—a skill he treasures today.

While in the program, Ethan was able to earn his driver’s license and purchase his first car. Additionally, a generous donor, wanting to support someone in the trades, awarded Ethan a scholarship to help him launch a career in HVAC. With this opportunity, Ethan’s path forward became clear.

Today, Ethan is a homeowner, has a full-time job, and has welcomed his brother to live with him. He’s proud of the life he’s built, comfortable being himself, and incredibly grateful for the support and opportunities.

Ethan was our 2024 Gala success story feature and we could not be more proud of all that he has accomplished!