Highway to Destiny was organized in 2009. It came into existence due to a vision that was given to Tamela at the age of 12. She was riding in the car with her parents and she saw a homeless man walking down Kingshighway, located in the city. This touched Tamela's heart because she didn't feel anyone should live on the streets. It was at that moment she believes God showed her one of her purposes in life. It was to help unhoused individuals move back into communities.
Featured in VoyageSTL Magazine (Feb 24, 2026)
Q: Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamela Nixon. Hi Tamela, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
A: At the age of 12, I was riding with my parents down Kingshighway Blvd. I looked to my right and I saw a man carrying everything he owned on his back. The scene touched my heart. It was at that moment when God revealed one of my purposes in life. It is to help unhoused individuals become self-sufficient. Fast forward to 2005, I and a few friends prepared lunches and took them downtown to the park where the unhoused hung out. We also had conversations with them to find out what they needed. While my friends and I were giving out lunches and blankets, I was working on a business plan for the upcoming organization. After several months of writing things on paper and throwing it in the trash, I finally had the business plan in place. The next task was to get the name of the organization. So, I asked God and He dropped “Highway To Destiny” in my spirit. HTD was incorporated in 2009. This year, our focus is on increasing partnerships and expanding our territory. We will accomplish this through our Job Links Program. This program will give unhoused individuals opportunities to learn vocational trades and receive certifications. After graduation, they will have the skills necessary to land jobs in the vocational trades market. Once hired, their paychecks will improve their financial situations and lead them down the road to independence. With this experience and others, I have learned when God is with you, all things are possible!!
Q: I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A: The past 17 years of operation hasn’t been easy. During the first few years, we had challenges finding people who were truly committed. Then, HTD took off when Covid hit in 2020. One of the mom’s made face masks for us to sell and we brought in over $1,000 in sales. After that, we held other fundraisers to expand our Drops of Love Program.
Q: Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
A: I have worked for the Trustee of the Eastern District of MO for over 22 years. My job consists of reviewing bankruptcy files, entering claims and tax returns. I appreciate everything I have learned at this job and prior jobs. I am set apart from others because of my integrity and professionalism.
Q: What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
A: There are a lot of activities to participate in the St. Louis area. I don’t like the fact that there are so many vacant houses and buildings in the city.
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