A local 18-year-old boy is beating the odds while facing homelessness at The Christian Shelter
SALISBURY, Md. – Keonte Tynes is beating the odds stacked against him. The 18-year-old is facing homelessness but he’s not letting that break his spirit.
The teenager is currently sheltered at The Christian Shelter. However, he doesn’t let his struggles deter him from success.
“There are people that are on the street that aren’t dead. They are not struggling how they could be struggling. I consider myself blessed and feel like being here opened me up to God.”
Tynes credits the Christian Shelter for his academic success. This stability has allowed him to excel. Tyne’s life drastically changed when he moved from East Baltimore.
His mother was looking for a safer environment to call home, which led him to Salisbury MD. Tynes said he won’t forget the feeling on his first day at the shelter. “I don’t like crying, but I had to put my head down. I remember seeing a couple of tears fall.”
Tynes now attends Stephen Decatur High School, where he was inducted into the honor society. This success has catapulted him to a spot on the honor roll. He said this couldn’t have been achieved without the right people around him.
“Something I’d say to other people is don’t take everything as a struggle. You might have problems physically or mentally, but it’s how can you build yourself back up.”
His positive attitude has shaped him into the strong individual he is today. Anthony Dickerson, the Executive Director of The Christian Shelter feels it’s essential to develop a relationship with God. “One of the reasons why he has that type of drive is because we laid the foundation. He’s taken it and ran with it. Now, when those situations arise, he’s able to apply what he has learned.”
This success in and out of the classroom, has given Keonte the opportunity for higher education. He was accepted into Salisbury University and hopes his story can be inspiration for other young individuals.
“There’s a reason for everything; it’s like writing a story. You start at the beginning, and then it’s the craziest outcome that you would have never expected.”
You can help Keonte Tynes by calling The Christian Shelter at 410-749-5673
