SAN ANTONIO – Wayne Routt said he’s giving up life on the streets for a chance at an honest living. And with the help of an intervention program, he’s been able to take the first steps.
"I'm 40 years old now. I started selling drugs when I was 12 and that’s when it all started,” he said. “I thought if I had all the drugs, my mom would come home because my mom started smoking crack and I just wanted my mom home.”
At 17, Routt was arrested. He served nine months in prison but was on the streets selling crack cocaine right after he was released.
Routt said his lifestyle and job put his life in jeopardy.
"Two months ago, I got shot at. My partner got shot at. That’s just the chance we take," Routt said.
Routt was recently arrested again. While he was awaiting his pre-trial hearing, the Group Violence Intervention Program stepped in.
"They helped me and told me I had a drug case and if I didn't want to go to the (penitentiary), I (could) sign up in their program," Routt said.
The Group Violence Intervention Program is designed to reduce violence by helping those in need or in trouble by providing education or a job.
"I was always by myself, and for somebody to help me, to me at first it was, like, ‘Oh, there's somebody out there really willing to put their name, reputation and what they do on the line for a kid that comes straight from the streets,’” Routt said.
Martin Henderson is the program’s outreach coordinator. He helped convince Routt to seize the opportunities life gives him.
"Personally, I understand that it's not just him that’s being affected. It’s his children. It’s his family members. It’s the community. So each individual that we save has a ripple effect. It’s not just that one," Henderson said.
The Group Violence Intervention Program, along with several other city organizations, helped Routt find work. He's now employed in the air conditioning business.
It's only been about a month, but street life couldn't seem further away for Routt.
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