When his mother could no longer care for him, Aron became homeless at the age of 18. He spent four years living in a tent in the centre of St Louis, before street outreach services connected him with support from Depaul USA.
At the beginning of 2024, Aron moved into St Lazare House, Depaul USA’s supported housing service for young people who are experiencing homelessness and who have mental health needs. It is the only permanent supportive housing programme for unaccompanied young people experiencing homelessness in St Louis city.
Stable housing is the foundation for exiting homelessness, and at St Lazare Aron lives in a fully furnished apartment. Furnishings include a couch, coffee table, pots and pans, linen and towels – all the essential items needed to build a home.
Thanks to this stability, and support from Depaul USA’s staff, Aron has been able to focus on achieving goals to improve his life. Since moving into St Lazare, Aron is receiving mental health support through ADAPT, a community mental health centre in St Louis. He also attended the St Louis Agency for Training and Employment three times a week. This has since enabled him to obtain his high school diploma and find employment.