John’s Story – “I’m representing Hope & A Future by living here.”

It’s no secret that affordable housing in Phoenix is at a premium. One group that is impacted more than most is youth who are aging out of foster care at age 18, 20% of whom will be instantly homeless. To continue it’s long history of responding to the needs of children and youth in foster care, Hope & A Future has created a new Transitional Living Program with the purchase of a one bedroom condominium near downtown Phoenix.

John is the first-ever resident at the new Hope and a Future Transitional Living space. He has been in foster care since he was three years old. At age 12 he attended Hope & A Future’s Trac Camp for the first time and returned every year until he ‘aged out’ of going to camp. John also attended monthly Hope and a Future events  and got to know Michael Brewer and the Hope & A Future staff.

After John aged out of foster care at age 18, he stayed in Phoenix for a while to work for a couple of years. His next move was to Ohio, to live with his biological family. That did not work out and John returned to Phoenix and reached out to Hope & A Future Executive Director, Michael Brewer for some help and support. “Michael is always there for people,” said John. “He offered me a volunteer position at Hope & A Future and let me know that this living space might be available soon.”

John moved into the condo in April. He is currently recovering from a medical problem. “This takes all of the weight off of my shoulders of having a place to live. I get a break and some time to save money to pay off my debts, return to school and move into a new place.”

When he moved in, Michael reminded John that he is, “representing Hope & A Future by living there,” and that he expects John to continue to be a part of the work of Hope & A Future, and have a job or be going to school.

John currently pays $400 a month in rent and has a one-year lease.  Through the John S Brewer Memorial Scholarship Fund at Hope & Future, John enrolled at Pima Medical Institute in August 2024 so he can become a Medical Assistant. John also volunteers for Hope & A Future at monthly events and at the Boys Retreat.  

“I enjoy working with Michael and the kids at Hope & A Future,” adds John. “I know what kids in foster care are going through and I know I can help.  Honestly,  I don’t know where I would be without Hope & A Future.  I could never have imagined how much my life would be impacted because I went to their summer camp when I was 12.  I’m so grateful.”