A Hard Fall—and a Way Forward

The youngest of four, Alejandro and his siblings were raised by their grandparents. “They took care of us,” he says. “Childhood felt safe—held together by the steady love of two grandparents.” After graduating high school, Alejandro stepped quickly into adult life, already working full-time and doing his best to stay on his feet.

Then, without warning, his body failed him. Alejandro suffered a seizure. He blacked out and woke up in the hospital, surrounded by doctors, IVs, and unanswered questions. After several months, he fought his way back to work. It felt like a fresh start—but the battle wasn’t over.

Life unraveled again when Alejandro was hospitalized a second time. He lost his job, fell behind on bills, and soon faced an eviction. “I ended up losing my job, and then I just fell behind on everything,” he shared. With nowhere stable to go, he bounced between friends’ couches and family homes. Even though he was surrounded by people who loved him, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was a burden.

That’s when Gospel Rescue Mission met him right where he was. Not just with a bed, but with a path forward. Alejandro entered the Workforce Development Program, received job training, and even completed a logistics course through Pima Community College.

“The people that work here—the advocates and everything—you know they help you,” he says. “As long as you’re doing your part, they’re going to go out of their way to help you.”

When Alejandro first arrived, he admits he struggled with pride. “I shouldn’t be here,” he thought. But deep down, he knew he had reached a moment of truth—the courage to say, I can’t do this alone. I need help. It’s the kind of humility Jesus speaks of when He says those who humble themselves will be lifted up.

Today, Alejandro’s life speaks hope to others walking a similar road: Put your pride aside. Ask for help. Take it one day at a time. There is hope—and you are not alone.