Christopher Wolk was born into a military family in Germany 40 years ago. Raised in California for most of his life, Chris and his brother came to Bullhead City after the loss of both of his parents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shortly after moving to Bullhead, his brother also passed away, and Chris began living in his car. When rents across the nation skyrocketed during the pandemic, it became more feasible for Chris to adopt the nomadic van lifestyle.
Finding Resources and a Supportive Community
In the fall of 2023, Chris became a regular at the Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope shelter and day center, coming for a hot shower, a clean load of laundry, a hearty meal and fellowship among shelter clients. Chris wowed shelter clients and staff with his magician skills, providing entertainment for everyone with his Las Vegas-level professional magic.
The Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope is unlike any other shelter in the area. It has a dedicated space for families and can house up to 40 individuals and eight veterans. In addition to day center services like hot meals, showers and laundry, the shelter also offers an outdoor cooling station with misters, a wellness clinic and case management for clients.
The Perfect Employment Opportunity Arises
In early 2024, when a House Support Specialist position opened up for the night shift, shelter staff encouraged him to apply. Using the shelter’s computers, Chris applied online at Catholic Charities and was hired.
Chris is now an employee serving the clients he once sat among. You can now find Chris sitting with shelter clients, doing intake forms and other paperwork, cleaning, helping assist others with job searches and much more.
“I love meeting new people and being able to be of service to others in our community and here at Bullhead’s shelter. It’s important that we take time to interact with our guests, encourage them and share ideas with them so they can become the best version of themselves daily and inspire others along the way,” said Chris.
A New Role Provides the Chance to Inspire Others
When asked how the shelter clients feel about Chris’ new role at the shelter, he said that he was congratulated by everyone and that they felt it was a perfect fit. Chris is back on track and hopeful in his new role helping others.
Having experienced homelessness in the area, Chris knows firsthand what clients are going through. He understands their needs, how to gain their trust and how to inspire them to take steps toward stability, just like shelter staff did for him not long ago.
Chris continues to make progress and reach his goals. He was recently approved for an apartment and is excited to move in “I will be no longer homeless.”
