Elean’s Story: A Journey from Survival to Stability

Elean, 20, was born and raised in West Orlando. After his parents split, his dad moved back to Chicago, leaving Elean to navigate a deteriorating relationship with his mom. Her moods grew increasingly unpredictable; more than once, she locked him out of the house.

His senior year of high school, she sent him to live with his dad — whose drug use and quick temper placed immediate strain on the new living arrangement. When an argument turned physical, Elean packed his bags for good.

“I felt alone,” says Elean, “Like my mom didn’t want me, my dad didn’t want me, no one’s parents wanted me. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I was on the streets for a little bit, sleeping in the park and on trains.”

Through it all, he still worked full time and graduated from high school. After couch-surfing for a few months, Elean connected with La Casa Norte in early 2024. Within days, he moved into Solid Ground — the agency’s transitional housing program for male-identifying youth ages 18-21.

For the first time in years, Elean had a stable place to call home. That security, coupled with a dedicated community of support, helped him shift out of survival mode.

Next, he tapped into La Casa Norte’s robust wraparound services, including weekly check-ins with resident therapist and licensed clinical social worker Austin.

“Without Austin, I would have lost my mind,” says Elean. “I was going through so much, and he was there. He taught me different ways to keep my mind busy without it snowballing into other thoughts.”

Another priority for Elean? Education. Earlier this year, La Casa Norte awarded him an academic scholarship to support his enrollment at Wilbur Wright College. Ultimately, he hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and pursue a career in robotics. “I find it amazing how things work. That’s my passion. I want to build things.”

And he is building — at work, in school, and toward a home of his own. He manages a candy shop full time, is preparing for college, and is on the cusp of securing a housing voucher.

“I'm actually about to go see an apartment tomorrow. They said if I like it, in two weeks’ time, I'd be able to move in.”

As things fall into place, Elean reflects on how far he’s come.

“I’ve not only grown, I’ve matured, and I understand more things about myself. Before Solid Ground, I never really opened up to anyone. But when I came here, [the staff] taught me that it’s okay to express what you need to express and to feel what you need to feel.”