Steps Moving Forward
Ned’s life has been a series of ups and downs, struggles and lessons learned. His story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and ultimately, hope—hope that found him at Wheeler Mission.
From an early age, Ned experienced instability. When his parents divorced at the age of three, his mother took him and his sister, living out of a car before finding shelter. Though he found moments of stability living with his grandparents, life never felt completely secure. As he grew older, bad decisions and tough circumstances led him down a path of hardship. He found himself experiencing homelessness multiple times, each instance a result of choices that spiraled beyond his control—losing a job, a car, a home. It was a cycle he couldn’t seem to break.
“I’m not scared to say I made a mistake".
The first time Ned came to Wheeler Mission, he wasn’t ready to accept help. He was consumed by pride, believing he could fix things on his own. But he quickly realized that trying to stand alone only left him feeling more lost. He didn’t know how to recognize the people around him who were offering support, nor did he want to admit that he needed it.
The second time was different. He had finally reached a breaking point, where pride had to give way to humility. He was tired—tired of making the same mistakes, tired of living in fear, and tired of feeling like he had to carry the weight of the world alone. When he stepped through the doors of Wheeler Mission this time, he made a choice: he was going to accept the help being offered.
At Wheeler, Ned found more than just a place to stay. He found a team of people dedicated to walking alongside him, guiding him toward stability and healing. He learned about programs like Horizon House, which connected him with critical resources and support. Most importantly, he learned that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength.
“I’m not scared to say I made a mistake,” Ned shared. “I’m responsible now—not just for my actions, but for actually using the services and the help that are here for me.”
Through the guidance of Wheeler Mission and Horizon House, Ned has gained confidence in himself again. He’s no longer afraid to take steps forward, no longer paralyzed by the fear of failure. He’s embracing growth, learning from his past rather than being defined by it.
Watch Ned’s story here: Watch Video
