Connecting with Outreach Inc.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Meet Mohammed Abukar, a Somalian refugee who came to the United States with a dream. "This used to be my home. I used to hang around here all day every day," said Mohamed Abukar, formerly homeless.

Living in downtown Indianapolis sounds like the high-life, but when we walk the streets, he soon takes us down an alley where he shows us his reality.

"This is it. This is where we're at. This is home." said Abukar.

An alley with the lingering smell of urine and broken glass littered everywhere.

"I used to take off my shirt off and put it on the floor and lay down with it," explained Abukar.

His mother died of cancer when he was young. So, he left behind his father and siblings in Somalia with a vision of a better life in America. A Christian missionary group helped him and his older cousin get here. About three years later, he had a falling out with his only family member in the U.S. Mohamed ended up on the streets with no money, no food. In 2007, he found help from Outreach Inc.

"Someone like Mohamed you so want to help because he does meet you halfway. He has the desire and he is one of those who genuinely needs a little push, a little direction," said Rob Pallikan/Outreach Case Manager.

Since 1996, Outreach Inc., a non-profit Christian organization, has been walking the streets reaching out and helping homeless teenagers.

"Some of our youth is still engaged with their families that are homeless themselves. Some of our kids find it safer on the street than living in their own home," said Eric Howard, Founder and Director of Outreach, Inc.

A home on the near east side serves as a drop-in center for teens to get a meal, shower and necessary resources to help get them on the right track.

The problem of homeless teens and young adults is growing in Indianapolis. Outreach Inc. expects to help more than 600 teens this year in Indianapolis alone. It's seeing the most homelessness among 18-21 year olds.

Here's the breakdown:
62% are females
38% are males.

Outreach works with many schools in the metro area including every IPS High School.

"Teen homelessness is very different than what it actually is. Most people say I've never seen a teen homeless, a teenager that is homeless. I would say you probably actually have. They still have the same desires to fit in, the peer pressure. They don't want to draw attention to themselves," said Howard.

At 22, Mohamed is on his own now but still working to graduate from high school.

"Still the same. I'm chasing still," said Abukar. "Still chasing, just trying to make myself proud. Make my life better."