Growing up, my life didn’t follow the path many would consider typical. My mother struggled with addiction, so my grandmother stepped in to raise me. Despite her best efforts, there were times when I faced uncertainty—about where I would sleep, what my future might hold or whether I mattered to anyone. Those moments of instability left an unforgettable mark, shaping how I view the world and the people in it.
Teen homelessness doesn’t always look the way people imagine. It’s not just kids living in tents or under cardboard boxes downtown. Often, it’s much harder to see. For me, it meant moving from one friend’s couch to another, carrying everything I owned in a single bag. I didn’t want to be a burden, so I kept my situation hidden. Like so many teens in similar circumstances, I was trying to stay in school and piece together a future, all while navigating the uncertainty of not knowing where I’d sleep next.
Many teens are escaping dangerous or unstable homes. They aren’t running away from responsibility—they’re running toward safety, doing what they can to survive. Some live in their cars, others rely on friends for temporary shelter, and yet they show up to school every day, doing their best to hold it all together. They’re resourceful and resilient, but what they need most is stability, a safe place to call home and someone who believes in them. That’s what made all the difference for me.
At one point in my youth, when I was most unsure of what lay ahead, an unlikely family stepped into my life, took me in and gave me a chance to rebuild my life. They had no obligation to help me, yet they recognized potential in me that I couldn’t see in myself. By offering me a temporary place to stay, they gave me more than just a roof over my head: they gave me a sense of safety, dignity and belief that I had value. That act of kindness became the foundation for everything I’ve built since then.
Because of that experience, I resonate deeply with the mission of programs like Second Home. They don’t just provide unaccompanied houseless youth with a place to stay; they provide hope. For these teens, finding a safe and stable home can mean the difference between survival and the chance to thrive. The families who open their doors are giving more than physical shelter—they’re offering a pathway to a brighter future.
I know firsthand how transformative it can be to have someone believe in you. That stability and support propelled me forward, eventually allowing me to serve my country in the military, pursue my education to the doctorate level and build a meaningful career. I’m living proof of what’s possible when someone invests in a young person’s potential.
Becoming a host family through Second Home may seem like a big commitment, but the impact is immeasurable. By opening your home, you’re not just meeting someone’s immediate needs; you’re giving them the confidence to dream, to grow
and to succeed. For these youth, knowing someone cares enough to share their space can be the catalyst for lasting change.
Second Home’s work is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference. Whether you choose to host, volunteer or simply spread the word about their mission, every small act matters. Together, we can ensure that no youth has to face the uncertainty of homelessness alone. By stepping forward, you might just change a life—just as someone once changed mine.
Ian Beaty is a keynote speaker, Army officer, and educator with over 24 years of leadership experience. He specializes in helping organizations bridge gaps in leadership by equipping high-performing employees with the skills they need to succeed in management roles. Ian’s engaging keynotes inspire audiences to build trust, foster retention and create a culture of growth. To learn more, email [email protected].
