Originally from Sri Lanka, Impraj moved with his family to New York in search of opportunity and a more stable future. Like many others pursuing that path, he found work in the restaurant industry and began building a life in a new country. But over time, struggles with alcohol began to take hold, affecting both his employment and his sense of stability.
In an effort to start over, Impraj relocated to Grand Rapids for another restaurant job. For a while, it offered hope. But the challenges he carried with him did not disappear. Over the next five years, his struggle with alcohol continued, eventually leading to job loss and a prolonged period of homelessness.
While living unsheltered in Grand Rapids, Impraj experienced extreme instability. He was arrested 53 times, cycling repeatedly through the county jail. Each interaction reflected not just individual choices, but a larger system struggling to meet complex needs without consistent, personalized intervention.
What changed Impraj’s trajectory was not a single service—but a connection.
Through coordinated outreach, One Starfish Foundation worked to piece together his story and locate a potential support system. That effort led to something critical: reconnecting Impraj with his uncle in New York. With family willing to receive him and provide a stable environment, the next step became clear—but not simple.
This is where One Starfish’s unique transportation support became essential.
Recognizing that distance is often one of the biggest barriers to reunification, One Starfish arranged transportation to return Impraj to his family. This was more than a ride—it was a bridge back to stability, familiarity, and support that no local intervention alone could fully replace.
Since returning to New York in the fall, Impraj’s life has shifted significantly. In place of repeated arrests and constant instability, he has had only one arrest. While his journey is ongoing, the difference is clear: being connected to family has provided a foundation that was previously out of reach.
Impraj’s story highlights the complexity of homelessness and substance use—but it also underscores a powerful truth. Sometimes, the most effective solution is not creating something new, but restoring something that already exists: connection, belonging, and family.
At One Starfish Foundation, we recognize that by removing the barrier of distance, we help individuals reconnect with the people who know them, support them, and can walk alongside them in ways no system alone can replicate.
