Ivan is a 21-year-old young man who, at first glance, seems like just another face in the crowd. With his messy blonde hair, casual t-shirt, and ripped jeans, it’s easy to see him as a typical young person with common interests: he enjoys music, has a girlfriend, and follows sports closely. However, behind his carefree exterior lies a story full of hardships and challenges that most people wouldn’t imagine when passing him on the street.

Despite his youthful appearance, Ivan’s eyes reveal a much heavier burden than his age suggests. His sad and deep gaze, characteristic of someone who has had to face adversity from a young age, reflects a past marked by loss and desolation. His family relationships broke down, leading him to live on the streets, becoming homeless without a job or clear future. At just 21 years old, he had dropped out of high school and had no professional training.

Ivan’s life took an unexpected turn when a friend took him to the Depaul shelter, an organization that helps homeless people. There, Ivan began to find the support he so desperately needed. For a month, he lived under a staircase, in a space so small that only a mattress fit. However, this small refuge was the first step towards change.

With the support of Depaul, Ivan began to regain some stability. His effort and dedication were remarkable, and soon he started to integrate into the shelter’s routine, participating in activities that helped him recover his social rights and find his place in society. One key project in his reintegration journey was “Be-vrt,” a therapeutic garden managed by Depaul, where people like Ivan participate in work activities that not only provide practical skills but also give them a sense of purpose and community.

Ivan quickly stood out in the garden, where his work ethic and willingness to help others were noticed. At the same time, he was offered opportunities for professional training, which allowed him to discover skills he didn’t know he had and start orienting himself toward a potential career. In his case, the construction industry caught his interest, and he soon found a job in the field, a position he now describes as “his dream job.” His dedication in the garden and his desire to improve helped him overcome obstacles, including a difficult job search process.

Ivan’s path wasn’t without challenges, and the lack of job opportunities in his hometown of Rijeka, coupled with the stigmatization of young homeless people, made his situation even more difficult. Thanks, however, to the support of his friends, his girlfriend, and, of course, Depaul’s staff, Ivan never lost hope. After several attempts and rejections, he finally found a stable job and was able to move into his own apartment with his girlfriend.

Today, Ivan lives happily and content. He works in an environment he enjoys, has a home, and, most importantly, has left his life on the streets behind. Occasionally, he visits the Depaul shelter, but now, as a young adult, he is focused on building his life and enjoying his youth, the one he has finally begun to live fully.

Ivan’s story is a testament to resilience and hope, but it also highlights the importance of early intervention in vulnerable situations. Depaul, with its vision of a future where everyone has a home, has been crucial in his reintegration process, proving that with support and opportunities, it’s possible to rebuild a life from the ground up.

Source: https://depaul.hr/