There is a lot of news about immigrants crossing borders for better economic opportunities or refugees fleeing wars and looking for new safe places to live in, raise a family and work. In Reno, there are also youths, like Devante, who end up in the Biggest Little City running away from extremely difficult conditions not far away, just across state lines.
Devante says if he had the money he would try to open a club and marijuana dispensary. Photo by Jose Olivares for Our Town Reno
Devante says he came to Reno from west Oakland over a year ago because in his words he was about "to get killed."
"In Oakland, it's terrible," he said during a recent interview at the Eddy House. "People are out there selling too many drugs. I was getting shot at too many times. I was about to die in my own backyard just like my friend."
He says his grandmother told him to go to Reno, where he's looking to further his studies, open a business and also takes care of a kid. The Eddy House, he says, has been a lifesaver as well.
Devante enjoying the company on a recent Friday before an Eddy House communal dinner.
"They've been great to me from the start and that's never changed," he said. "They help me go to school, with food, clothes, shoes, anything I need. They help the young like me who are going through a lot. They help homeless teenagers. Whether you need help or want to help, come to the Eddy House."
Interview as part of a multimedia Our Town Reno series on youths getting help at the Eddy House. Their website is here.