“A Song of Redemption”
Latavius never imagined he’d end up experiencing homelessness. So when he did, he lost all love and grace for himself. Yet, God’s love was unconditional. At the Mission, God softened his heart and showed him how to love himself and others. Today, he’s using his voice for God’s glory. Inside, read how your prayers and ongoing support continue to transform lives like his.
Latavius grew up searching for love, belonging and a place where he truly felt seen. He carried deep wounds from a difficult childhood, and over the years turned to substances to cope. Yet even when he experienced homelessness, God never stopped pursuing his heart…
Latavius was born to a teenage mother in a home marked by abuse and domestic violence. Some of his earliest memories left lasting emotional scars.
He was 4 years old when his mother remarried and soon had two more children. But for Latavius, the tension continued. Now he often felt like an outsider, the only one in the household with a different last name.
Despite the challenges at home, Latavius was a good student and earned strong grades. He attended church with his grandmothers and discovered a love for singing – something that would remain a gift throughout his life.
But the desire to fit in led him down a destructive path. He began acting out – even fighting – as he sought attention and a sense of belonging.
“There are so many things I did to try to fit in or to draw attention to myself.”
His struggles followed him to college, where he was introduced to alcohol and drugs. As experimentation grew into addiction, he stopped attending classes, left school and began working. Over time, he faced multiple arrests and found himself living in chaos. But he didn’t know how to change.
Even amid his turmoil, God was planting seeds. One moment in particular stayed with him.
While sitting in his car, a man living on the streets approached and asked for help. Latavius angrily told him to go away. Eventually, he found himself in that same position – experiencing homelessness and asking others for assistance. That’s when he felt God speaking to his heart:
“Be careful how you treat people, because it could just as well be you.”
In the years that followed, Latavius cycled through shelters and treatment programs. He struggled to break free from behaviors that held him back. But God never left his side and continued speaking to him in unexpected ways.
While singing on the street one day, a stranger stopped him. “You have a beautiful voice,” the man said. “You can use your voice for God.” Those words pierced his heart.
“I realized God created me for a reason and a purpose. It was time to change.”
When Latavius arrived at City Rescue Mission, he admits the adjustment was difficult. But over time, something began to shift.
Because of friends like you, he rediscovered his self-worth through our holistic, faith-based LifeBuilders Program – which offers spiritual guidance, life skills classes, workforce development and more. For the first time, he understood what it truly means to love himself as God loves him.
“I realized I need to take care of myself and make wise choices. I must surround myself with positive people going in the right direction.”
During his time at the Mission, Latavius discovered not only his ability to lead and encourage others, but also a renewed joy in singing – using his voice to worship and connect with God. His life has become a song of redemption, written by God’s grace.
After graduation, he earned his Commercial Driver’s License and received a job offer to begin a new career. His outlook on life has completely changed:
“Before I came to the Mission, I was spiraling out of control. Now I’m learning to love myself. I know I have a purpose.”