Chris DeMille, 20, visits San Jose's Our House regularly to use the phone, do his laundry and plan his future. Chris has been homeless for more than a year and currently shares a motel room with a friend. He hopes to continue his education and perhaps become a paramedic or police officer.

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Homeless S.J. man gets assist from Our House
CENTER AIMS TO GIVE YOUTHS A SAFE PLACE AWAY FROM THE STREETS

for three months, Chris DeMille slept every night on ``the 22,'' the bus that runs 24 hours a day, back and forth from Eastridge Mall to Palo Alto. ``It was safer and warmer than the streets,'' says Chris, who adds, ``It's no picnic on the bus, either.''

At 20 years old, Chris has been homeless in San Jose for more than a year. ``My mom abused me,'' says Chris, recounting his childhood. ``Then my aunt abused me.''

For 10 years, Chris was in and out of foster care. When he turned 18, the public assistance stopped and, with nowhere left to go, he moved back in with his aunt. She kicked him out a year later.

Chris' story isn't that unusual, says Michelle Covert, director of Our House, a multi-service center for homeless youths in downtown San Jose. Its goal is to provide a safe place for young people ages 11 to 21 -- away from the streets. Last year, Our House served 440 homeless youths -- abused kids, kids whose families were homeless, kids thrown out of their own homes. Our House provides food, clothing, showers, phones, counseling and some temporary housing for kids up to 17. Each youth is expected to work on a housing and education or work plan.

Chris is now sharing a motel room with a friend. He still comes to Our House to use the phone, get clothes, do laundry and find help to plan for a future. He wants to go back to school, and maybe someday become a paramedic or a police officer.

Having support in a caring environment has made a difference for Chris and others who go to Our House and the Bill Wilson Center in Santa Clara, which also serves homeless youths. Both agencies could use support themselves to help young people who are sleeping under bridges or couch-surfing at friends' houses to survive. Each donation of $25 (8A) will provide department-store gift certificates to buy work clothes, blankets and backpacks. Donations of $10 (8B) will buy gift certificates for food and basic hygiene items.