Derrick S.

Derrick was born in Westpoint, Mississippi. Derrick shared his story with YOUtopian Estates to shed light on the effects of addiction and mental illness has on homelessness. Derrick has been homeless for ten years and has been seeking treatment for his addiction.

Derrick states that “it is not just addiction that keeps someone homeless, it is depression, other mental health issues that people need help dealing with. You have fourteen and fifteen year olds dealing with stuff like this; we are not bad people, sometimes we just make bad choices. I am trying.” Derrick has goals to have his own family someday and “a man of God.”

Derrick believes that YOUtopian Estates can impact individuals like himself by providing a helping hand with counseling and stable living environments. “Addiction is a cycle that you get stuck in and sometimes it is very hard to get out of yourself. You need help. . . you just need help.”