ALBANY, N.Y. -- Ellazar Williams is out of the hospital after spending nearly a month at Albany Medical Center. 

The 19-year-old is on probationary supervision after being shot by Albany police last month. Police say he ran from detectives following a reported fight. 

"He wants to pick up where he left off," said Alice Green, the executive director of the Center for Law and Justice, who visited Williams on Sunday. "He wants to get a degree in cooking. He wants to get a job."

But it's going to be an uphill battle. According to Green, Williams is paralyzed from the chest down with a bullet lodged in his spine.

Police say detective James Olson fired twice, hitting Williams in the left rear shoulder after allegedly threatening Olsen with a large knife. Police have called the shooting justified.

Williams has been charged with menacing a police officer and possession of a weapon.

"He understands what his situation is and like I said he has a very positive attitude," Green said.

Right now, she says the priority is to get him into appropriate housing. Williams is currently living with his girlfriend in a second floor South End apartment.

Green says they're also working to get Williams a motorized wheelchair. He also needs a lot of medical care, as his bills continue to rise. 

A donation account has been set up through SEFCU. 

"That's what we're focuing on right now," Green said. "Getting what he needs to him."