Daniel wasn’t planning to live in Utah, but he ended up here while pursuing his culinary education. The path to having a career as a chef, and in life in general, hasn’t been simple or easy. He had a significantly traumatizing childhood. He was abused by his mother’s romantic partners in horrific ways - including abuse of his pets, sibling, his mother, and himself - until she married her current husband, who he says is a really good dad and person. He has also been diagnosed with autism.
I want to be okay in life, have no regrets and live up to the purpose I've had in my head.

The first time Daniel faced homelessness was shortly after he graduated high school for approximately 3.5 years. He was working and housed from then until he was kicked out of his living situation at the beginning of winter 2025. When he is housed, his hobbies consist of BMX, skateboarding, painting, photography, listening to music, and playing video games. He is the youngest of his three siblings, and while he has no kids of his own, is a proud uncle to their ten children.

His biggest struggles while living on the street have been finding ways to save money, keep away from people who want to just use him, and staying off drugs. While he suffers from chronic pain, Daniel is committed to staying off hard drugs and manages with over the counter painkillers only. He hopes to get work as a chef again and live a life where, at the end of it all, he has no regrets.




