Mario is a 30-year-old man currently experiencing homelessness. He grew up with a "pretty rough childhood" and 3 younger siblings. Mario was raised by his biological mother for the first 5 years of his life. However, one day CPS "snatched" him from her. Mario shared: "That was a pretty traumatic experience. I still remember it like it was yesterday."
He then went from home to home in foster care and shared that he became "used to just accepting strangers and having strangers as family growing up." Fortunately, when Mario was 8, he and his three younger siblings were adopted by a nice lady. He was doing well until his adoptive mother, unfortunately, passed away when Mario was just 16.
This forced Mario to go from home school to public school, which was a really large, difficult transition for him at the time. However, he pushed through it and even ended up having two children soon after; the first when he was 17 and the second when he was 20.
Unfortunately, Mario began abusing hardcore drugs and became homeless at 27. This caused him to lose all visitation with his children, which he is now working on retrieving. Mario is now also sober and trying to get back on his feet.
He had a solid job as a head cashier at a thrift store for some time, however, he was randomly fired, which caused him to lose his apartment and move into a shelter. Mario is now a caregiver and does some "cash gigs" on the side. He shared that his biggest struggle right now has been housing. But, he is becoming the best version of himself and already got a car, so he is feeling optimistic about how his life will pan out!
Although Mario is very thankful for where he is in his life, he shared: "I feel like I don't really have a mom and dad. If I had a mom and dad, it would be a lot easier for me." He also shared that he "just wants people to know that [he] is doing [his] very best."
Thank you so much to Mario for sharing this story! & Thanks to Miracle Messages for partnering with Project WHY to facilitate this interview. Mario said that the Miracle Friends and Miracle Money programs have been great!
Donate to Project WHY today so that we can continue to interview these amazing people! Project WHY is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation registered with the State of California & the United States government. 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness! :)
Just want to add this information from me. "Your story is truly inspiring. Despite facing many challenges, you never gave up and continued to work hard towards your goals. Your perseverance and dedication are truly admirable, and you serve as a role model for so many people. You are a testament to the fact that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. Thank you for inspiring us all and for being an example of what is possible." >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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Wow, another interesting, eye-opening, and tragic story of tragic circumstances leading to homelessness and seemingly hopelessness, yet hope that things will improve. Amazing story and work ProjectWHY/Arielle.
Mario's story is really sad & shows that life is fundamentally unfair. He lost his parents when he was very young, for reasons entirely out of his control, and unless someone solid & reliable steps in to genuinely fulfill that role, NO WAY NO HOW can a child make it on his own. Then, having kids young only exacerbates the problem and forwards it to the next generation. It is Great that he got a car & is optimistic about the future, but boy, did he get dealt a bad hand. Warmest wishes & best of luck, Mario!
Wow! An incredible story!