Drake: I Want to Help People

By the time Drake had turned 21, he had been through enough rough patches to fill several lifetimes. But he was determined to live a life defined by his achievements, not the struggles.

He’s been working toward that goal, with help from Abode.

Drake has emerged from the foster care system, through which he lived in 36 different foster homes and 8 group homes in 14 cities — all in less than a decade. 

But after Abode’s help, Drake said he felt like he’d been given a second chance. Drake hopes to earn a college degree and live on his own. 

“With Abode’s help, I’ve already made a lot of progress,” he said. “And I have hope again for my future.” 

He said his childhood changed drastically when he was 13, as his single mother lost her home because of family members who did not have her best interest at heart. After that, they lived in Bay Area hotels and motels, and she later lost custody of Drake. He was placed in the foster care system and, over time, he bounced around the East Bay and ended up living in Antioch. One night, as he slept in his apartment there, he was awakened by a raging fire. He barely escaped the blaze, which destroyed homes and displaced dozens of people. Including him.

It was a very tough time for him, but it got even worse when he was diagnosed with major health problems. During this difficult period, his father passed away.

In those dark moments, he leaned on his guitar and his love of music.

Eventually, though, his luck changed. Just days before Christmas, doctors said illness was in remission. 

Drake was then referred to Abode, where service coordinators helped him gain housing and keep it.

“They gave me positives when I desperately needed some,” he said. “Abode continues to give me support and hope when I need it most.”

Things are going well now for Drake. He’s working and taking classes and continues to play guitar.

“I like to write songs about my life,” he said. “Expressing myself is so important to me. If I’m not doing something creative and positive, I’m not happy.”  

Drake says his dream is to help people through music. Sometimes, he plays live on social media, and people from all over the world comment on his songs, sharing stories about their struggles. 

“I want to help people like that,” he said. “I want to help people as Abode and other organizations have helped me.”