Kelvin’s Story

I made my way to Atlanta at a low point in my life. I’m originally from Washington D.C. and was raised just on the outskirts of the city in Maryland. I grew up, alongside my sister, with a loving father and mother. My life had no shortage of love and it wasn’t until I started going through my divorce that things got really rocky.  

At the time of the divorce my kids were 11, 20, and 8. They were living with their mom and I was left with nowhere to go. All of the money I earned went straight to the kids, which is great, but it left me with nothing. The house, the cars, everything was either taken from me in the divorce or sold to pay for it. I also lost the structure of living in a home with my family. I wasn’t seeing my kids, I had no partner, I had no money, and I fell into a depression.  

A chance for change

During this time in my life, I ran into a friend of mine who would go back and forth to Atlanta for business. I opened up to him about my struggles and he asked if I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and spread my wings. He suggested that I come with him, and I took him up on his offer.

So, in February of 2022 I came down to Atlanta and all was going well for a while. Soon after, I realized that my friend and I were heading in two different directions. He was coming to Atlanta for money, and I came for healing. We were staying in a living situation that wasn’t ideal and I knew I had to get out of there. When we parted ways, I thought to myself, “Okay, now where do I go?” 

Divine intervention

I was looking for somewhere to go when divine intervention stepped in. I found out about this tractor trailer where I could sleep for 30 days, but was denied when I didn’t have a Georgia ID. So, I asked how to get an ID and was pointed toward Crossroads Community Center. From there, I went back to the trailer but they had no space for me. Then, I was directed to a shelter but denied because it was for women.

When I got there, my phone was dead and I had no way of contacting anywhere else. I needed to find somewhere to sleep. I asked the security guard at the women’s shelter and he recognized me from Crossroads. He said he remembered my demeanor and that I could use his phone and should call Atlanta Mission.  

New beginnings at The Shepherd’s Inn

I got to The Shepherd’s Inn at 4 in the morning and waited for intake. I remember not having much; I wore sweatpants with holes and old shoes because I couldn’t afford new ones. Those shoes were $150 when I first bought them, and they were the only pair I had. I walked in them for at least a year or more, which is why they ended up with holes.

As I spent more time at The Shepherd’s Inn, my relationship with God only got tighter. Little by little, the program helped me. I learned the stories of others, prayed, and found mentors in the other men. The staff welcomed me with open arms and put me in the right classes to turn my life around. Originally, I wanted to just stay 30 days, but opted to stay 6 months so that I could impact others the way I was impacted. I made it to graduation, was voted the community lead, and got the Citizenship Award.  

A future full of hope

At graduation, I shared the story about my shoes. Those shoes were symbolic. I presented the shoes not just to show physical evidence of where I’ve come from, but I wanted everyone to see that there’s a unique backstory behind each one of us in my cohort.

Currently, I’m using the skills I learned to go on the job search and get myself back on my feet. In a few years, I can see myself strengthening my relationship with God and my children. I can see myself flourishing through my faith.  

Everybody on earth is going through something. I hope and pray that everyone stays encouraged, doesn’t compare their situation to others, and doesn’t give up. As long as you put your best foot forward through God, you will be put on the right path.