Naseer

19 year old Crisis Center resident Naseer is the perfect picture of “calm, cool, and collected.” But life for Naseer has not always been so calm. Last year his father was relocated because of his job and his relationship with his mother was growing more and more hostile. Despite these problems, Naseer continued to push forward, from getting a new job to moving into his very own house with his brother. But life would soon take a turn for the worst. While November of last year should have been a time of happiness for Naseer, it was a time of heartache. In November Naseer celebrated both his independence and his 19th birthday. Just three days after celebrating his birthday, Naseer was the victim of a horrible house fire. The fire left him bruised both physically and emotionally. Naseer could no longer work, and as a result was facing eviction. In tragedies such as Naseer’s, many families come together and bond, but the reality for Naseer was quite the opposite. As he recalls it, “My mom told me to get in the car… and we just drove. I didn’t know where we were going. A little while later we were here at Covenant House. I was so shocked. My mom told me they could take better care of me here. I didn’t know what to say… or think.” Adjustment for Naseer took little time. He soon learned that Covenant House “was a good place. They help people in need.” Although he likes it here, he is spending his time wisely and seeing Covenant House as a stepping stone not a place of permanent residence. He says, “I try to use this place as a building block. I don’t waste time… time is valuable.” Although life for Naseer has not always been easy, he appreciates all that life has brought him. He continues to smile and live life with a positive outlook. Naseer looks forward to attending college to study business or engineering. In his free time, he enjoys riding bikes, and anything that involves the outdoors… unless it’s too hot! Naseer describes himself as “a miracle” and after sitting and listening to his story one can’t help but to agree. His story is a miracle and also a testament that with help and love, one can turn tragedy into triumph.

Donate now to help Naseer and other kids in our Crisis Center.