Homeless Teenagers Surviving Chicago Winter (Poverty Documentary) | Real Stories

My father was murdered in front of me at 17, with no other options I ended up homeless for a 6 month stretch. I found a shelter near the Detroit area that would take me in but I had to sleep at a table for the first 4 weeks as they had no open beds. I found 2 jobs in the area, became a member of the Roofers Union and found a passion in dj’ing nights. That was 15 years ago(wow) and I now have a home, 2 vehicles, a dog & happiness. Life hits all of us with different struggles, some of us are hit a lot harder than others. It’s all about how you recover from those hits you take that lands you wherever you end up. I thank god every day that I found the drive and strength to work my way out of that situation.

The teacher and her husband are just some of the most amazing people ever...

Watching this is Deja vu for me its sad but true, i was homless on the southside of Chicago at age 14. i made it out and doing well Im 43 right now 🙏🏽🙌🏽☝🏽❤💯

From what I could find, Roque was working at a major advertising agency and attending college part-time. He had moved into an apartment that he rented. He enjoys having the option of being by himself or hosting dinner parties for his friends. I wish him all the best.

This made me extremely sad. NO CHILD should be homeless. I am heartbroken.

“I feel like I always was a king, as I grew older I found out that to be a king is really to be a servant” ~Anthony Lynch

I can’t picture my self living life knowing that one of my children is HOMELESS!!

I can’t understand how there is people out here with MILLIONS of dollars with a room for just their purses or 5 bathrooms and there’s these CHILDREN sleeping under cars hoping they won’t move Blows my mind 🤯😡

Roque looks like such a sweet kid and that teacher who took him as her own child is an absolute angel.

Teachers are so important. Even with homelessness, having the right people in your life can save someone.

I became homeless when I was 16. I slept under a bridge right through the Scottish winter. I would put on every item of clothing I had in my bag and would still wake up freezing. I quickly learned insulation under the body is key but I didn't actually feel homeless until i was sleeping on cardboard. The crushing loneliness and junkies trying to take advantage was actually harder to contend with. In the UK early morning milk deliveries are left on the doorstep so i would get out and steal bottles of milk (sorry god). Eventually I was placed in an adult shelter where I was subjected to drugs and abuse from the older occupants. I've had to build my life up since then. I'm 33 and only feel like I'm just starting to catch up. I have a beautiful wife and my son is 10. I'll never let him experience what I did in life. I still thank God every night that I sleep in a bed. The one thing I learned is to never entirely rely on anyone or anything but yourself. Never ever give up on life. Keep your head strong, it's OK to become hardened. Let it happen.

None of the teens depicted in this documentary ever gave up. They faced what seemed like the most hopeless moments, and they kept trying to achieve their goals. They didn't forgo their dreams just to survive. They managed to do both things. That's a strength that I, a 40 y/o woman, find inspiring in my own life. The programs that keep these young people from sleeping on the streets and that keep them moving forward with their educations are so important.

How could your parents not want you, heartbreaking.

That teacher that is fighting for Roque is pretty awesome!

I come from Zambia. My mom, brother and I were homeless once too after my dad abandoned us. I just graduated from medical school debt-free (because I worked several jobs to pay my way through). I felt defeated when studying for my board exams today, but watching this and seeing how resilient these amazing young men and women are has helped me realize that I have to continue working as hard as I possibly can so I can give the same opportunities I was giving to someone else. Especially abandoned children and youth. I will succeed!

The teacher who helped roque and took him in like one of her own feels like a second mum to him...she's a real support.

I looked Anthony up & it seems he’s doing very well for himself.. he works in IT operations !! I’m so happy for him ❤️

Miss RIvera, you are a wonderful woman for helping out & caring for the young man. A bed and food are probably a weight off Anthony's shoulders.

Anthony is the type of kid I would want to adopt. His determination is amazing.

Being a teenager was the HARDEST part of my life. From school and personal drama. I honestly feel being a TEEN is a pivotal point and the hardest part in MOST people lives.