Our Stories: Nolan

Nolan grew up in a home where he didn’t feel love or compassion. From a young age, he struggled with depression, anxiety, and addiction. He became homeless with no parent or guardian while still in high school. With the help of a mentor and AntFarm, a Clackamas County resource, Nolan began to share his experience in the hopes of helping other youths.

Watch the video and read below to learn more about Nolan’s story.

A life rebuilt: Nolan’s path through homelessness and healing

Close-up image of Nolan Crombie’s face as he gazes off with a thoughtful expression

Nolan Crombie, a 20-year-old from Portland, Oregon, has faced significant challenges throughout his life. Raised in Estacada after moving from Welches at age 8, Nolan’s early years were marked by an abusive environment.

He recalls, “My mother was an abusive alcoholic … there wasn’t any love, compassion, or anything like that.”

This tumultuous upbringing led to strained relationships with his siblings and a negative outlook on life. By eighth grade, Nolan began skipping school and using substances to cope with his circumstances.

He reflects, “I was trying to escape the reality I was living.”

The situation worsened when his parents separated, and at 16, after a confrontation with his father, Nolan found himself homeless. He describes this period as being in “survival mode,” leading to deeper involvement in substance abuse and residing in environments detrimental to his well-being.

A turning point came when Nolan attended a school presentation by a mental health advocate named Jared. Despite initial reluctance, Nolan shared his story with Jared, who offered him hope: “If you focus on sobriety, if you focus on finishing school on time, then you’ll have a job with me.” This promise motivated Nolan to pursue a different path.

After completing high school, Nolan moved to Tennessee to reconcile with his father and focus on personal growth. He spent six months reflecting on his experiences and healing. His dedication led to an opportunity to speak at a conference in Dallas, Texas, where he shared his story with 600 people. The positive reception reinforced his commitment to helping others facing similar challenges.

Image of Nolan Crombie standing alongside a highway facing distant mountain ranges in Oregon

Returning to Oregon, Nolan aimed to further his education and continue advocacy. However, circumstances led him back to homelessness. Recognizing the negative patterns reemerging in his life, he reached out to AntFarm, an Oregon Housing and Community Services-funded, local organization he had previously been involved with. Through their support, Nolan secured stable housing and resources to develop programs aimed at assisting youth in similar situations.

Reflecting on the importance of community and support, Nolan emphasizes, “It’s the connection and relationships that you build with people that really help you get through.”

He acknowledges that while personal effort is crucial, organizations like AntFarm play a significant role in providing opportunities for change.

He notes, “It’s not so much that AntFarm changed my life; they gave me the opportunity to change mine.”

Nolan’s journey underscores the impact of supportive communities, and the resilience required to overcome adversity. His experiences highlight the importance of providing resources and opportunities for individuals facing homelessness and addiction, demonstrating that with the right support, transformation is possible.