Ashley Altus

Luis Figueroa Rosario, 22, is a resident at El Rescate, a transitional living facility for LGBTQ homeless youth ages 18-24 in Humboldt Park. He left his family behind in Puerto Rico when he was 18 years old. This is his second time being homeless and living in transitional housing. He has been living at El Rescate for about a year. While he is welcome to go back home to his family in Puerto Rico, he is determined to make it on his own terms and do whatever it takes to succeed independently.


Every Friday, El Rescate requires all residents to attend a house meeting where staff members talk to residents about ways to make progress on themselves so they can thrive outside the program. While his predicament is not ideal, Rosario said it’s better than sleeping on the streets, which is where he was before. He wants to move out of El Rescate as soon as he can. “No one wants to be here,” Rosario said.

Rosario shares a group living space at El Rescate. Residents come from all different backgrounds and have different reasons for being homeless. Members are interviewed before being accepted into the program at El Rescate.

The residents of El Rescate have to abide by all the rules set by the program’s coordinator. Residents are required to make their beds daily, be home by 11pm and keep common areas like their shared bathroom and kitchen clean in order to learn responsibility.

Residents who don’t have to work on Fridays are required to participate in Friday activities designed to help them reach their goals and educate residents on topics like finance, wellness and other essential life skills. Volunteer Lanis Jewels lead the group in a reflection walk to focus on what steps they need to take to achieve their goals on the 606.

Rosario works as a host at Remington’s on Michigan Avenue in the Loop. The program coordinators at El Rescate suggest residents have about $3,000 saved before they leave the program.

Rosario is looking for a second job using the computers at El Rescate while another resident gets a haircut before he goes looking for a job. Rosario calls his plan to obtain another job, “operation sound income”

Rosario said Pita Café on w. Division is one of his favorite places to eat in the city. He tries to soak up as much Chicago culture as he can. Rosario said he’s met some good friends living in the program like Cishawna “Keke” Rivin, 22.

Rosario designateshalf of his paycheck into his savings account. He also sends money home to his mother in Puerto Rico who is struggling financially.

Rosario said he walks on the 606 trail from end to end every week. It gives him time to be outdoors and a way to get out of his shared room at El Rescate. He said he is looking forward to having his own place in Humboldt Park and to live a sustainable life.