Prinz

“Never give up. Believe in yourself. Stay focused. Keep going.”

Prinz is excited for graduation!

Born in Paris and raised between the streets of France and the heart of Guinea, Prinz is no stranger to challenge. Growing up in the poorer neighborhoods of Paris, Prinz faced daily struggles of poverty, racism and displacement. But it was at just 13 years old, after the passing of his father, that his life changed.

His father's final wish—for him to complete his education. That message became his mission. After briefly staying with a distant relative, he realized that if he were going to thrive, it would have to be on his own terms.

Despite becoming homeless early on, Prinz never gave up on the promise he made to his father—or himself. Although his first language is French, he taught himself three other languages—Arabic, English and Spanish—driven by a need to communicate and connect. His hunger for knowledge, even while unhoused, brought him to high school each day. That is where a guidance counselor told him about Urban Peak.

Urban Peak became the village Prinz never had—a place of safety, respect and hope. It was there that he found more than just shelter; he found purpose. The support and belief of Urban Peak's staff helped him reclaim his vision of who he could become: a better man, a future businessman and a trailblazer in his family.

Prinz has progressed into our Urban Peak Neighborhood program, on pace to receive independent housing. Now a high school senior preparing to graduate this month, Prinz stands proud as the first man in his family to earn a diploma. His strength, faith and determination carry the legacy of his father while carving out a future all his own. He plans to continue his education and build a life rooted in purpose and service to his family and community.

To other young people battling homelessness and hardship, Prinz has this message:

“Never give up. Believe in yourself. Stay focused. Keep going.”

At Urban Peak, we are honored to walk beside resilient young people like Prinz—whose story reminds us that no circumstance is greater than the human spirit.