Demetrius has faced many obstacles in his life and struggled with making right choices. By the grace of God and the Good News Men’s Shelter, Demetrius is overcoming those barriers that left him homeless.

The 23-year-old was born with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism. Unlike people experiencing autism, those with Asperger’s function at a higher, more independent level, but are challenged in social settings. They also tend to have narrow and intense interests, and that led Demetrius into trouble. Two of his interests are plants and religion, which enticed him to experiment with marijuana and get mixed up in Satanism and witchcraft.

Those problems followed Demetrius when he had to move in with a former high school classmate and her husband last year after leaving his grandparents’ house. Unfortunately, Demetrius’ struggle with right choices continued and a couple of incidents in the home landed him in jail for three months on a domestic violence charge.

Once released in early October 2024, Demetrius found himself with no place to go until another homeless man suggested Demetrius come to Good News. Through daily chapel services, counseling, and involvement at Faith Baptist Church of Avon, Demetrius placed his faith in Christ during a church service!

 “Before then, I struggled with underlying trauma related to Christianity,” he said. “My mom said she was a Christian but was also very abusive, so I kept my distance from it. But eventually, I realized I couldn’t let that fear control me forever.”

Although the structure of the Men’s shelter can be a difficult adjustment, Demetrius’ attitude and behavior are improving. He said he’s grateful for Good News and those who support the ministry

“Thank you. First of all, I’d be out in the cold,” he said. “You provide so many people with shelter, meals, and support. But for those who want to know Christ as their Savior, that choice is here too.” Praise the Lord Demetrius made that right choice!