Homeless Hawaii Teen Overcomes Severe Odds to Graduate High School

WAIANAE, Hawaii — High school graduation is a milestone achievement for any teenager, but for 18-year-old Eric Schultz, walking across the stage to receive his diploma meant overcoming years of housing insecurity and personal hardship.

Schultz is one of hundreds of unhoused minors on Oahu. According to local Point in Time count data, there are roughly 802 homeless minors on the island, with nearly 90 percent of them staying in temporary shelters. For Schultz, the struggle became a reality at age 15, when his parents' battles with addiction forced him into a cycle of instability. At one point, he spent an entire year living out of his car while simultaneously attending classes and working toward his ultimate goal of graduation.

Despite the immense challenges, Schultz found a critical lifeline in his community. Desiree Adams step in as his "hanai auntie," helping him navigate the re-enrollment process and working alongside his parents to get him back on track. Schultz also received housing and stability through Residential Youth Services and Empowerment, or RYSE, a transitional shelter operating on the Waianae Coast. According to RYSE representatives, only about 50 percent of youth facing housing insecurities successfully obtain their high school diplomas.

With his high school education now complete, Schultz is already looking toward the future. He plans to continue his education by enrolling in trade school to become a professional plumber. Additionally, Schultz intends to stay active in community outreach, using his own story to inspire schools and organizations to secure funding for essential items like food, clothes, and hygiene products for families still experiencing homelessness.

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