[music] >> ROBERT: There was this library, when I was homeless. I?d just sit there all day listening to music and then I?d go back to the shelter. Shower. Eat. And then go to bed at 11pm. Then wake up at 7am in the morning. They?d wake you up. You?d go out again. They?d give you a token, but they?d only give you one. So if you went downtown, you?d have to walk home. [music] >> ROBERT: That happened to me a few times. I had no way to get around. I just asked the transit guy and said, ?look I?m homeless. I?ve got to get back to the shelter, can you let me ride for free?? And they?d say go ahead. [music] >> ROBERT: Most of my troubles stem from living with people. And being homeless. [music] >> ROBERT: And how are you going to get a job when you?re homeless, right? It?s near impossible. I?ve never even heard of anybody getting a job after being homeless. >> ROBERT: It?s like what, they ask you your address and what do you say, I live in a shelter? - You know what I mean. [music] >> ROBERT: I spent a couple of nights in men?s shelters, but it was mainly youth shelters. From the ages of 18 to 25. >> ROBERT: The men?s shelters are rough, though. You don?t really want to go to a men?s shelter. They?ll steal the shirt right off of your back if they can. [music] >> ROBERT: Thank god for Cota. Bless Cota. Bless Cota. Cota saved my live, to be honest. I?d be in a dumpster somewhere, you know what I mean so. >> KIM: It?s so nice, Robert, to see the change from when I first met you. I remember when I first met you, and you came into our program and you were housed in one of the first buildings you lived in. Such a transformation from then until now. >> ROBERT: I had to get all the support from my family, you, and Cota. >> KIM: Yea. >> ROBERT: All my workers. To get back to where I am now. >> KIM: It?s so nice to see you laugh. It?s so nice to see you happy - even when you have your struggles, you are always trying to do more for yourself. >> ROBERT: Yea I?ve known Kim a long time. I consider her my friend. [music] >> ROBERT: There?s always hope. I mean you can always, hope?s free. You can one day hope to get out of your situation like I did. Having a place. Having support. >> ROBERT: Just seek out help if you need it, you know. Go to these places. You?ve got to move forward with your life and try to better yourself. And better your life. [music] >> ROBERT: I love my parents, shout-out my parents. Uh yea my parents are amazing, yea. My mom?s been a godsend. My dad?s been really good, he helps me out a lot. [music]