Raphael Amill’s story begins with loss. Orphaned at just six years old, he was raised in a Catholic institution that provided food, shelter, and safety—but not the life skills needed to thrive in the real world. When he left the institution at 18, Raphael was unprepared for the challenges ahead.

He went on to attend welding school and served in the U.S. Army. But after his service, Raphael found himself caught in a downward spiral. For nearly two decades, he battled untreated mental health issues, addiction, and homelessness. The structure he once knew was gone, replaced by instability and survival.

Then came Caitlin.

The birth of his daughter became the wake-up call Raphael needed. Determined to give her the kind of life he never had, he tried to build a better future. But despite his best efforts, he found himself living in poverty, stuck in roach-infested housing with no clear path forward.

Everything changed when Raphael’s VA counselor introduced him to Dustin from The Transition House.

That connection was the turning point. Dustin helped Raphael move into a clean, safe apartment and provided furniture, household essentials, and continued support. For the first time in years, Raphael could breathe. He had a home—not just a roof over his head, but a place of peace and possibility.

Now 71 years old, Raphael is devoted to raising his 12-year-old daughter in a stable and nurturing environment. He’s managing his health, staying grounded in his Jehovah’s Witness faith, and living with a renewed sense of purpose. Most importantly, he’s staying on a path that keeps him away from dangerous choices of the past.

Raphael calls Dustin and The Transition House “an answer to my prayers.” Their compassion and practical support helped him build the foundation for a new life—one rooted in dignity, safety, and love.

“There’s help out there,” Raphael says. “If you keep on searching, you’ll find it. There are people who want to help us.”