One of the oldest and gentlest young adults getting help at the You in downtown Reno, a walk-in safe space and resource center for homeless, runaway, aged out of the foster care system and other at-risk youths is 23-year-old Texas native EJ.
EJ got help from the You, getting a new I.D. and birth certificate, after having his wallet stolen. Photo by Jose Olivares
EJ walks around with his lowrider Skullcandy headset greeting friends living precariously in the Biggest Little City but happy to gather at the YOU on a Friday afternoon for what's called a family dinner.
"Lot of kids these days get in trouble, in jail, doing drugs or running away," he said when Our Town Reno met him.
EJ outside the YOU which according to the wording on its website has weekday, daytime “care and comfort services” including showers, laundry vouchers, snacks, clothing, free wi-fi, cell phone charging, a tech lab and the Chill Zone - a safe space to spend time off the streets. Screengrab from a video by Jose Olivares
Dreaming Big
EJ says life can be very difficult in Reno, but that he still dreams big.
"My goal is to become a veterinarian. I love animals. Animals love me. There's nothing impossible. If you put your mind to it, you can go for it and reach your goals."
The banner photo from EJ's Facebook page is an inspirational poem by Langston Hughes.