NC Volunteer Helps Homeless Youth Find Hope for 8 Years

A 19-year-old woman who once bounced between houses now has her own apartment and dreams of becoming a nurse, thanks to a volunteer who believed in her potential.

Diamond Stevenson's family troubles left her homeless and uncertain about her future. Then she found The Relatives, a Charlotte nonprofit that's been helping young people in crisis for over 50 years.

Ted Northrup volunteers there, and he's witnessed transformations that stick with him. He tutored a young woman for her GED who landed a job at FedEx, got promoted to manager, and moved into her own place. "It was wonderful to see that happen," he said.

For eight years, Northrup has run bus clinics teaching homeless youth how to navigate public transportation. He's tutored students working toward their GEDs. These skills sound simple, but they're often the bridge between sleeping in parks and holding down steady jobs.

The organization started in the 1970s when church members noticed children sleeping outside. They opened their basement as a safe place to stay. The name came from what kids would say when asked if they needed help: "I'm good, I'm staying with relatives." They were too embarrassed to admit they were homeless.

Today, The Relatives serves young people ages 7 to 24 with crisis housing, counseling, job training, and education support. Stevenson now works as a home health aide and lives independently. "Without the program, I don't know what I would do," she said.

Executive Director Trish Hobson says volunteers like Northrup save money, but more importantly, they connect differently than paid staff. They create relationships that help young people see what's possible for their own lives.

Why This Inspires

Northrup keeps showing up because service feels good, but the young people he helps keep showing up because someone finally showed them they matter. That's the kind of math that changes lives: one volunteer plus one struggling teenager equals one manager, one nurse in training, one person who now has keys to their own front door. The equation works because people like Northrup believe the answer is always worth solving for.

"It's all about service," Northrup said. "You really feel good when you do something to help somebody else."