BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Last week 23ABC brought you the story of one local student battling homelessness and a few other setbacks for his family. Since our story aired things are looking up for the high school senior as people in Kern County step up to help.
Bakersfield High School Senior Requan Feltus has a dream of being an automotive technician and this week he is one step closer to those dreams. He shares that his mom and he have received several acts of kindness that are helping them through this trying time.
"I am looking at the future with a more positive outlook and I have less and less to worry about which is helping me in school ,because I can now stay focused because of the help we are getting," said Feltus.
17-year-old Feltus' smile is shining brighter this week after the giving hearts of Bakersfield heard that he and his mom were struggling with housing, and now are looking to change this.
All while, his mother who works as CNA walks daily to make it work due to lack of transportation.
After Feltus' history teacher Claudia Ocampo from BHS discovered his situation, she began to help beyond the classroom.
"It's been a roller coaster and frustration in dealing with the system, how things work, and being patient," said Ocampo. "Just seeing so many people in our community to help and offer in whatever form,[has been amazing]."
Feltus' story inspired a chain reaction of giving. The family has received three possible different car donations, assistance with toiletries, clothes, food, and Herm's Barbershop gave Feltus a special hair cut. The senior says it was the best haircut of his life, but that's not all, he even got a phone call from his dream job.
"At Jim Burke Ford they called my mom and said when I turn 18 they will essentially give me paid training and not only that ,but they said they would try and help me with tuition with Wyotech Wyoming," Feltus.
Despite the much-gained progress the family still is waiting to hear back regarding permanent housing from the housing authority. They share they have to be out of their hotel by this Friday , because of hotel policies.
"When we would do that [stay in hotels that are extended-stay they have,] the two-day thing where we have to leave the hotel[before we can come back], we would sleep in the car, but most of the time we would find another hotel," said Feltus. "But we have slept in the car before."
Feltus says despite the many setbacks, he is grateful for the many people in his corner.
"This entire experience has made me stronger and I just hope for more strength. And God bless this country and all of you," said Feltus.
Feltus shared with 23ABC, that once he is able to figure out a way to get proper identification from the DMV he plans to start looking for jobs in retail or even in packaging.
He says this is how he plans to spend his holidays.
If you would like to connect with the family be sure to reach out to Ocampo at cvanev@sbcglobal.net.
