Donald H. — A Home (and a Job) for the New Year

Born in Dorchester and raised with his siblings by a single mother, Donald H. has always been a family-oriented person. As an adult, he worked hard to support his children, but some poor choices led him down a challenging path that included incarceration.

“My focus was on money, cars and other things, which eventually led to me being in prison,” says Donald. “I knew I wanted something different when I got out.”

After a series of personal tragedies, including the loss of his mother, Donald decided to make a change upon his release. “I wanted to better myself and get a place on my own, but I had nowhere stable to stay and start over again, so I became homeless,” Donald says.

“Even though I was homeless, I didn’t want to waste any more time. I wanted to set an example for what’s possible for my family,” says Donald. “I knew I couldn’t do it alone. I came to Pine Street Inn, and the staff were there for me.”

Now highly motivated, Donald worked with his case manager to find an apartment and get a job as a construction foreman just in time for the holidays. Now, he is excited to welcome his family into his new home.

“I want to shine a light on homelessness and give back to my community,” says Donald. “Pine Street has done so much for me. I want others who are homeless to see that if I can make it, so can they.”