James

James is currently enrolled in our Housing Support Program working with homeless households in Greensboro. The following was written by Triad Goodwill and shared with their permission.

Despite his initial hesitation, James enrolled in Goodwill’s 10-week construction training program.

“I said to myself; I’m a smart guy. I excelled in math. I just needed a place to be during the day.” What started as a practical decision to stay warm and safe during the winter months quickly evolved into a life-changing opportunity.

“It’s going to sound silly, but between hearing about the courses and the kindness I felt here – even just offering fresh fruit and water in the Career Center – for someone that’s homeless, that doesn’t have any money to eat during the day, I was happily like, you know what, I’ll take it. I can get some tangible stuff here and take the class.”

James had first found himself at Greensboro Urban Ministry, a local shelter, after completing rehab. With no job, no transportation, and no connections in the area, he was at a crossroads.

Once a high-earning professional in Georgia, James had worked in high-end sales for American Express and even ran his own music studio, but a series of personal and family challenges — including a near-fatal accidental encounter with fentanyl — left him searching for a way forward.

Then through the construction program, James discovered a passion for electrical work, and his dedication paid off.

He completed the Construction Trade NCCER Certification, obtained his OSHA 10 certification.

In January of 2025, Goodwill referred James to Held’s Housing Support Program which gave him $3,000 upfront as well as $750 per month for a year in unrestricted funds to help him on his journey.

“The grant awarded me $12,000. I took the $3,000 up front and found a vehicle. That changed everything.”

Today, James is focused on building a strong foundation for his future. With hands-on training and certifications under his belt, he’s actively pursuing full-time opportunities in the electrical field. He’s planning ahead – working toward securing permanent housing and holding onto the dream of starting a family one day.

“If I could talk to myself 10 months ago, I’d say: ‘Thank you for wanting more out of your life.’”