Marcellis’s Story: A Place to Call Home

Marcellis with his case managers, Jazmine and Madison

When 21-year-old Marcellis first arrived at La Casa Norte in April of this year, he had just been discharged from the hospital with nowhere to go.

“I tried calling shelters and halfway houses but kept getting turned away. It wasn’t until I called 311 that I learned about youth shelters — something I didn’t even know existed. I remember feeling relieved, just knowing there was a place out there for someone my age.”

That call led him to La Casa Norte’s 47th Street Shelter, where, for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of belonging.

“From the moment I got there, the staff treated me like I belonged. They don’t turn folks away. They don’t make you feel less than. They handled every situation with patience and compassion, and honestly — they treated us like family.”

In time, one of the shelter staff encouraged Marcellis to visit the Drop-In Center in Humboldt Park.

“At first, I went for the basics — hygiene products, help with job searches, and transportation — but what really stood out was how safe and comfortable it felt. It was a space designed for us — for young people trying to get on their feet. And once you walk in, you can feel it: everyone there genuinely wants to see you succeed.”

Through the drop-in, he learned about the Workforce Development Program.

“I made friends and learned about the Workforce Development program. I was encouraged to apply, and I’m proud to say I joined the third cohort. The program helped me see school and work differently. It gave me confidence to put myself out there and reminded me that there are people in the right places — people who care. It also helped me build community, discipline, and a sense of routine.”

Now, Marcellis is living independently.

“I recently secured stable housing and am living on my own. I’m still figuring things out — I’m only 21 — but having a safe home and a strong support system makes it possible to focus on my goals.”

Those goals include returning to school to become an architect and earn an electrician certification.

“I’ve always loved the idea of creating something from nothing, seeing potential in an empty space and bringing it to life. I want to design affordable housing apartments for youth and families — places where people can feel safe and truly at home. And along the way, I plan to earn my electrician certification, because I want to start earning a stable income and I know that understanding how things work on the inside will make me a better architect.”

Marcellis continues receiving case management at La Casa Norte, is a frequent visitor to our drop-in center, and engages with our special programming.

Marcellis sharing his story on stage at our 23rd Annual Gala ¡Esperanza!