Ricky is a young man in Denver navigating homelessness with sobriety and a strong work ethic, but little support from the system. He shares that he grew up in Aurora and was raised by his grandfather, whom he speaks of with warmth and respect. After his grandfather’s death, Ricky moved in with his mom and began working at a young age. He’s done factory work, landscaping, food service—whatever he could to get by.
He reflects on the loneliness of life on the street and the sense of stagnation that comes from “feeling like a plant in a pot that’s too small.” He’s been stuck on waiting lists and shut out of programs that assume addiction is a prerequisite for assistance. Still, he talks about wanting to find stability—not for pity, but because he knows he’s capable of rebuilding his life.
