Meet Oscar, 24.
Oscar has had an interesting journey for being so young. He grew up in Puerto Rico, survived the devastation of Hurricane Maria and secured a job as a security guard; however, low pay forced him to seek opportunities elsewhere. Oscar made his way north to Aberdeen, SD to find a better paying job. Eventually that job ended and he was left without the money to pay his phone bill, losing all contact with his family back in Puerto Rico. He turned to the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House in February and is looking for work. Navigating a new city, speaking limited English and a global pandemic has made things difficult but Oscar will tell you that he has big dreams and he’s not discouraged. “You’ve given me a bed, food, showers and you treat people with respect here,” said Oscar. He is full of hope and knows there is opportunity here. He is passionate about fitness and health and studied personal training back in Puerto Rico but pursuing construction work here in Sioux Falls. He is always interested in taking on a new chess partner!