Lexi’s story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and ultimately, hope. Born in Okinawa, Japan, Lexi moved to Colorado Springs when she was four years old. Her early years were marked by instability, and by the time she was 19, life had already dealt her a heavy hand.

After losing her grandmother and being introduced to drugs by someone she trusted, Lexi’s life spiraled downward. Her mother, hoping to protect her, ended up kicking her out of the house, leaving Lexi to navigate the streets alone.

Lexi was homeless off and on for a decade, living day-to-day and trying to survive in an environment that offered little safety or support.

"When I first became homeless, I felt like the world had just spit me out," she recalled.

“I knew nothing about what I was doing on the streets. I’m glad I ran into people who taught me how things work out here.”

Amidst the struggles, Lexi found companionship and purpose with her two beloved dogs. Her dogs weren’t just pets; they were lifelines. “Being homeless and having a dog probably saves most people’s lives,” Lexi says. “It certainly saved mine. They give us a reason to keep going and a sense of purpose.”

Lexi’s turning point came when she connected with Springs Rescue Mission and Homeward Pikes Peak, programs that work alongside other city providers to help people transition from homelessness to stable housing. Soon after, her name was drawn in a housing lottery, and she moved into Greenway Flats, a supportive housing community for people in need.

The impact was immediate. Lexi no longer had to worry about someone stealing her belongings, freezing in the cold, or living in unsafe conditions. She had a safe home for herself and her dogs –– a place she could truly call her own. “I couldn’t believe I was able to get housing because of my past and my drug use, ”Lexi admits. “But I was shown that it’s possible, that there’s a better way.”

Greenway Flats has given Lexi shelter, but it has also given her much more. She now has independence, dignity, and the chance to rebuild her life. She has control over her living environment, from heating and air conditioning to a secure space where her dogs will be safe.

For Lexi, these practical comforts are also deeply emotional. A safe home has allowed her to shift from a mindset of survival to a mindset of hope.

“I have a positive outlook now instead of a meager outlook,” she says. “I no longer think about dying or giving up.”

While faith is complicated for Lexi –– she admits she struggles with anger toward God because of her childhood experiences –– her journey is marked by spiritual reflection and growth. She recognizes that hardships have shaped her resilience and capacity to care for others. “Everything happens for a reason,” she says. “Maybe I wouldn’t be as strong if those things didn’t happen.”

Lexi has also found strength in counseling and psychiatric support, tools that help her process trauma and maintain mental health. She’s learning that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a path to healing. “I used to do everything on my own,” she explains. “Now I know it’s okay to ask for help. It strengthens you instead of making you weak.”

Looking to the future, Lexi’s goals are simple but profound: to secure a larger home and pay forward the help she received.

“I want to help someone else out the way I was helped,” she says. “Without that support, I probably wouldn’t even be here today.”

Lexi’s story is a testament to the power of community, compassionate care, and second chances. Through channels like Greenway Flats, Springs Rescue Mission is helping homeless neighbors find not only housing, but hope, purpose and tools to rebuild their lives.

For Lexi, a safe home, the companionship of her dogs, and access to counseling have transformed her life. She is living proof that when generous people like you invest in neighbors, true and lasting change is possible.

“I just want to tell people,” Lexi says, “don’t ever give up. No matter how hard it seems, keep going. There’s something out there for you. It really is. I’m living proof.”

Lexi’s story is a raw and real example of the dignity of humanity. We’d love for you to experience that humanity up close by joining us for a special event in conjunction with nationally renowned photographer Aaron Anderson. On Friday, May 1^st, Springs Rescue Mission is hosting Hope Springs Forth: Healing After Homelessness at Meanwhile Block in downtown Colorado Springs. Hope Springs Forth is a First Friday art experience showcasing photos of Lexi and other beloved neighbors whose stories include homelessness –– but do not end there.

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