Isaiah’s adopted Father is a local pastor who knew about a special program for situations just like this and told him exactly where to go. “That’s when my dad said go to Guiding light,” said Isaiah. “I was unemployed and just couldn’t find work, but as soon as I came in, I was able to find a job within a week.”

Guiding Light’s Back to Work program provides a short-term stay for men who are employed or actively seeking full-time employment, allowing them to save money while they look for permanent housing. “I’ve been here for three weeks now,” said Isaiah. “I’ve saved over $1200.”

Men in this program are provided housing and meals for up to 90 days. They receive job coaching and resources to assist in their search, use of the computer lab for online job searching and help with résumé preparation. They are also provided with the prerequisite necessities to accept a job offer such as boots, uniforms or transportation.

Right now, all Isaiah wants to do is to go back to his friends.

“I just want to get back in to the house that I was in, and pay off the debt of my back rent. I feel like God works in very mysterious ways,” said Isaiah of being asked to leave. “He puts us in hard positions or situation to make us stronger or to bring people closer together.”

Isaiah is a shy young man of few words. What he had to say was mostly about his faith, which remains strong in the face of real adversity. “I am a Christian, but if you would have lived my life you probably wouldn’t think that I would be. Guiding Light is a good example of God’s grace, and what makes God’s love so special is His grace. Guiding Light has provided me with a way to save money while having a place to stay at the same time. They kept me from being homeless and on the street.”

What you can do: Invest in men like Isaiah.  Contribute today.