From Homeless to Homeowner
Taking a look at the bright side, one man’s story proves that it’s never too late to turn your life around.
From being homeless to living at the Crossroads Mission to now being a homeowner, Luis Martinez shares his story with News 11 and it truly reflects a brighter side.
“Miracles do happen and prayers do get answered. Everyone at the Mission prayers to go home and I have a home to go to. I was homeless and now I’m a homeowner,” Martinez said.
Martinez has been homeless for ten years but today he proudly owns his first home.
“I was born in Yuma, raised here, spent 58 years here and never left town. Never been anywhere, never seen snow so I don’t know what snow is like. It doesn’t snow in Yuma,” he said.
He started receiving help for his severe mental illness at 19 years old.
Most of his life was spent in boarding homes as a kid, sleeping in dumpsters, on sidewalks, and in the desert. One rainy night led him hoping to find an empty bed at Crossroads Mission.
In just one month at the mission, Martinez started attending the Vertical Church and began praying to God for a place to call home.
“Me and Barbara were talking and she said there was a possibility for a home for you,” he said.
Martinez is on social security disability and with the help from Crossroads and Hope Incorporated his prayers were finally answered.
“I never really had a home my whole life. I’ve just been roaming around town for 58 years, here and there and boarding homes and all this and that and I never dreamed I’d own my own home,” he said.
“They were supportive and keeping me on medicine and stable and everything and going to Going to Hope Incorporated and peer support. Case managers helped me move in and helped me budget,” he added.
Today, Martinez is focused on giving back. He volunteers three times a week at the Vertical Church and serves on their worship team.
“I want to put back what God gave me so I try to help as many people as I can and show them that it’s possible. You’re not too old to start a new life, I’ve got a new life, I’ve been born again,” he said.
