How your support gave Wayville a safe place to begin rebuilding his life

When everything changes at once

For Wayville, losing housing happened fast. In late 2021, his family’s lease ended, and everyone went their separate ways. Without enough money saved or a place lined up, he found himself without a home and very few options.

“I didn’t have anywhere to go,” he shared. “I was outside for a little bit, and then I went to the shelter.”

At that shelter, things got even harder. One day, he came back to find his belongings gone.

“I left my stuff under my bed, and my locker was open,” he said. “I came back, and my stuff was gone. I was feeling devastated.”

With no stable place to stay and no resources, Wayville was stuck in survival mode.

Finding The Oasis and a fresh start

Hope arrived through a friend. A buddy at the shelter told him about The Oasis program and encouraged him to go.

“My friend told me about The Oasis and the Sharing Center and that they could help,” he explained. “I had no resources. I just tried my luck and asked what services they offered.”

Staff asked him to come in so they could get him fully connected.

“I came back Monday, signed up, and then I started getting services,” he said. “It has been wonderful ever since.”

Related resource:
The Oasis Program: Providing dignity, stability, and hope for unhoused individuals and families

Showers, clean clothes, and a mailing address

For neighbors experiencing homelessness, basic things like a shower, clean clothes, or a mailing address can feel out of reach. Because of community support, those essentials are available through The Oasis.

“When I come to The Oasis, I look for the shower, the mail, and laundry,” Wayville said.

Having a safe, consistent place for those essentials has taken a huge weight off his shoulders.

“The Sharing Center changed my life because I no longer have to worry about where I am going to take a shower,” he shared. “I have a place to collect my mail, and I do not have to worry about paying money to wash my clothes.”

Support also extended beyond daily basics. When Wayville had an interview, staff stepped in to help him get there.

“I remember when Laurie was here,” he recalled. “I told her I had a job interview, and she gave me a bus pass. I ended up getting the job. That was a good memory.”

Feeling seen, not judged

At first, Wayville did not know what to expect. Past experiences had taught him that not every place treated people with kindness or respect. His first visit to The Oasis felt different.

“I was like, wow, I did not know that people cared,” he said. “I did not know they had this service.”

He noticed the organization and professionalism, but what mattered most was how he was treated.

“Just friendliness and kindness,” he explained. “Nobody is going to judge you. You feel normal being here. You do not feel like you are being put down or taken advantage of. It is welcoming and just normal and calm.”

From his perspective, the team sets the tone from the moment someone walks in.

“They come to you, and they say, Hey, how can we help you? Do you need services?” he said. “They tell you what they offer. If it sounds good to you, you can sign up. They do not force it on you.”

For Wayville, that respect makes all the difference.

Related resource:
A journey to healing: Charmaine’s story

From instability to gratitude

Looking back, Wayville knows how different his situation could have been without access to support.

“If it were not for the Sharing Center, I would be in a worse situation,” he said. “I probably would have been struggling badly.”

Instead, he now has consistency, encouragement, and people who recognize him by name.

“I am grateful for the people, the staff at the Sharing Center and The Oasis,” he shared. “Like Miss Keisha, Miss Lilith, Clark, Cole, and Miss Shirley.”

Their care, combined with practical services, has helped him feel more hopeful and more appreciative of the good in his life.

“I have been feeling a lot more grateful and more appreciative of people and things that are in my life now,” he said.

Learn more:
Finding strength through the storm: Tish’s story

Why your support matters

When we asked Wayville why support of The Sharing Center and programs like The Oasis was so important, he thought about the many individuals he has met along the way.

“I think people should give to The Sharing Center because you are helping all different types of people,” he said. “Some people have mental health issues, some people are going through different things, some people have lost a loved one, so they do not have any other resources and no other place to turn to.”

“If they come to The Sharing Center, they can get food, bus passes, clothes, showers, laundry, and mail,” he said. “There are a lot of resources at The Sharing Center, so I think people should donate so they can help people in need.” 

Your generosity creates new beginnings

Your willingness to give makes stories like Wayville’s possible. Every gift of time and treasure helps ensure individuals experiencing homelessness are met with care, respect, and a path forward.

Every donation and every volunteer hour helps ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness receive dignity, consistency, and care when they need it most.

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