Bridge Over Troubled Waters

In the winter, Alan Mack, 27, will begin his undergraduate studies at Berklee College of Music, taking the next step toward fulfilling his dream of working in music production. But, just five years ago, Mack’s life was in limbo, derailed in an attack that left him partially paralyzed.

In recent years, Massachusetts youth have faced increasing levels of homelessness, and the state has struggled to keep up.