The Road to Opportunities

 

 

ROCK HILL, S.C. (CN2 NEWS)  The men staying at the Bethel Shelter are overcoming one of the biggest challenges of homelessness — a lack of transportation.  Mark Wurst, 65, says the My Ride Bus System in Rock Hill is already impacting lives, starting with his own.

“This bus gives me freedom, too. I don’t have to depend on asking other people for help,” says Wurst.

Depending on others to survive is something Wurst is trying to stay away from, but when you’re homeless, that can be hard to do.

“The stereotype that’s so often painted is not a correct stereotype,” says Wurst, who’s been homeless for two years.  Wurst says he graduated college and worked in finance.

Today, he works out every day, and takes the My Ride bus to the YMCA and the library.  The bus stops right outside of the Bethel Men’s Shelter, where Wurst stays.  Richard Murr, who’s a chairperson at the shelter, says the buses give the men a chance to see different parts of Rock Hill, and get to important appointments.

“I see it opening up new avenues and opportunities for them,” said Murr.

Wurst hopes the new transit system will lead him out of the shelter, and into a permanent home.  He says he hopes to move into his own place by the end of the summer.

“I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself,” says Wurst.

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