When Todd Claxton was asked about what brought him to City Rescue Mission he said, “We live in an ever changing world. I found myself one day without a job and unable to pay my bills.” His job loss resulted in him losing his place with nowhere to go but the streets. One day, while sitting on the Saginaw rail trail, a stranger rode by and stopped to encourage him. The stranger was having his own life challenges and he confessed to Todd that he secretly drank beer so that he could “escape from his stress.” The man’s pity party was quickly interrupted when Todd mentioned that he was homeless and had nowhere to go. The stranger began to cry, realizing his stress could not compare to Todd’s misfortune. In spite of what Todd was up against, he prayed for the gentleman. When the prayer was over, the stranger told Todd about City Rescue Mission and that he could find shelter there.
For a while, Todd rejected the idea of going to a homeless shelter, but with nowhere else to go; he finally gave in and admits it was the best thing for him to do. Having grown up in church as a young boy and attending Christian schools, Todd knew that God would lead him back to stability.
When he arrived at the Mission he was like most individuals who check in to emergency shelter. He was lonely, depressed and really didn’t care about life anymore. “First, I had to humble myself and accept what I had to do to get back on my feet.”
Todd was grateful that the Mission had everything he needed; food, clothing, chapel services and classes. “The Mission gives you HOPE for a future.” Todd shared that the classes that the Mission offers; like basic computer skills, the Life Skills and the Job Skills combined give you the foundation for a new start in life that gives you the confidence to start feeling better about yourself. Todd feels his new lease on life gives him purpose.
It’s a blessing to share that Todd is employed full time as a property manager and in addition has started his own small business. He credits God, the stranger and City Rescue Mission for offering him the gift of HOPE.