Nick’s Story

I grew up in a small, rough town in Mississippi. I don’t remember anything good from my childhood, but I made it through. My grandmother had custody of my brother and I, but she was sick all of the time. I had to grow up at an early age. I had to be an adult at 5 years old so I could take care of him. It was always just me and my brother. 

In 2019, I lost my brother and both of my parents all within a 3-month span. It was rough. I was carrying a lot of grief. 

I received a job offer in Birmingham, so I moved there, but wasn’t able to find a place to stay and ended up homeless. I went to a shelter in Birmingham while working for the state as a 911 dispatcher. Through work, I met some friends who lived in Atlanta, and I came to visit them for a vacation.I liked Atlanta so much that I decided to stay. However, looking back, I didn’t have a thought out plan or anywhere to go.

When I first moved to Atlanta, I was working during the days and sleeping in my car at night. I was doing the best I could, but I didn’t know what I was going to do from day to day. Then, I found My Sister’s House. Walking through the doors for the first time, I was so nervous, because I didn’t know anybody, and I didn’t know what a homeless shelter would be like. 

Since the day I came here, my life has changed tremendously. I’m not the same person that I was when I first walked through the doors. 

I used to be filled with anger, and I had no idea where I wanted my life to go. Now, thanks to my counselor and ambassador, I know how to work through my anger and work toward accomplishing my goals. If I hadn’t come to My Sister’s House, I would still be making the wrong decisions and be so lost. 

I know that my faith wouldn’t be where it is today. I am still working on it, but I love how Atlanta Mission is welcoming regardless of your faith journey. You are allowed to be who you are. 

I love all of the staff so much. I know that they have my back and truly want what’s best for me. If anyone sees me (or anyone else here) going downhill, they pick me back up. I have never experienced that before. It’s truly my sisters at My Sister’s House. We all want the best for each other. 

Thinking about the future, I would love to join the Military, either the Marines or the Army. That’s my goal for what’s next. 

I don’t know how many thank yous I could give to those who support this place to show how much I appreciate them. I have found my family here, and I am a better me because of My Sister’s House.