Moment 4-Year-Old Who Was Homeless Sees Where He Lives Now: 'Overwhelming'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A boy who lived in a homeless shelter for 14 months has seen his new home for the first time, leaving internet users in tears.
Casey posted a clip on TikTok (@autumpoetry) of her 4-year-old's reaction as she opened the door.
"I felt sad when he saw the living room and was hesitant to explore," the single mom told Newsweek. "I think he believed that the other rooms weren't ours since we lived out of one room for as long as he could remember."
Split view of woman turning key in apartment lock and 4-year-old boy wearing green coat.
Split view of woman turning key in apartment lock and 4-year-old boy wearing green coat.
@autumpoetry
Casey and Josiah had spent 14 months living at Clare House, a Lancaster, Pennsylvania–based shelter that serves single mothers and their children.
Before entering Clare House, Casey, whose epilepsy prevents her from being able to drive, had been living with her father in a rural part of Pennsylvania.
The "unpredictable" bus routes made it impossible to find steady work, so she turned to the city to seek better access to employment and long-term stability.
Her first shelter placement was part of an education-focused program, but she wasn't permitted to work while staying there. Eventually, she was welcomed back to Clare House.
"I had an amazing experience," Casey said. "We had Monday night meetings where we would learn life skills, such as meditation and cooking. They helped me stay on budget... set goals and reach them. But more than that they were a shoulder to cry on when things were overwhelming and tough."
After getting on a waitlist for income-based housing, Casey waited six months before finally getting the call.
The process was intense: background checks, income verification, credit checks, and rental history screenings. On October 15, 2024, Casey and Josiah moved into their new home.
"I nearly cried," Casey said. "That night I flipped a box upside down and we ate our McDonalds meal on the box."
An initial hesitant Josiah started to become more confident, exploring the apartment and eventually sleeping in his own room after months of adjusting. "[He] has become a very independent little guy," Casey told Newsweek.
Casey's heartwarming clip has been viewed 3.4 million times and received thousands of comments, with many asking how they could help.
"I'm balling at how he didn't want to leave your side," one user wrote.
"His curiosity is so innocent and I know how proud you must feel momma," another commented.
Since sharing her story, Casey told Newsweek that many people have been so generous as to buy toys for Josiah's upcoming fifth birthday. She also set up a GoFundMe page to help the pair find a "forever" home.
"I am still in shock over all of this," she said. "It's overwhelming but in the best way."
As Josiah prepares to start kindergarten in August, Casey is focused on paying off credit card debt—she expects to be debt-free by February.
"I hope to slowly begin saving for a house in the city but money is very tight so that will take several year," she told Newsweek. "I hope to start selling my art to make more income so that I can save for a house... I used to love it."
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