GRACE & INSPIRATION
We’ve seen and learned a lot in a very short while. Every time we go out and distribute our LifePaks and clothing, we’re stunned by the graciousness and beauty of those we encounter. It’s not uncommon for someone wearing winter gloves laden with holes to turn down a new pair of mittens with the words, “I have some, please give them to someone who needs them more.”
In our regular exchanges and conversations, we find more similarities than differences. We feel that these people are in a difficult place, and if we were in their situation, we would appreciate someone helping us.
Included here are the stories of those we’ve come to know.
As we were taking pictures of some of his friends, Edward said, “Don’t waste your time with them, I’m much more handsome.” “Let me take a comb first, so I can look as pretty as possible.” He patiently peered into our car-door window and carefully combed his hair and beard, until he was picture perfect ready. His eyes sparkled.
During the infamous 2021 cold spell, we were distributing our winter clothing donations, when we met Richard. After we gave him a warm breakfast and a winter coat to his friend; he noticed we were heading out and came running back to us. With fierce intensity to his voice, he said, “You know, you’re going to be alright. You, you, you are going to be fine … because you’re loved, and someone cares about you.” Then he leaned back, smiled contentedly having conveyed his message, thanked us again, and calmly walked away.
Originally from Hartford, CT. He went to St. Bridgette’s with Michael Adams, a famous collegiate basketball player that would go onto the pros. They grew up in the projects together. He was student body president in high school and showed us his state championship ring for a high school football team he coached in Texas. “I’m a good coach.”
He spent the night on the DART train to keep safe and just got back from Medical City, where he cleaned up and shaved in the bathroom.
JOSHUA became homeless in the past nine months. He went through a messy divorce, is out of work, and trying to figure out what his next steps will be. He’s 32 years old.
Carrying himself with confidence and a commanding stature, Charles used to be an upper-level executive at a security firm. He was a Major in the Marines and fought on our country’s behalf in the First Gulf War in Kuwait.
He used to work for Huffmaster overseeing Crisis Response. He came to the aid of people in need following Hurricane Katrina.
In his mid-thirties and covered in tattoos, Chris had a warm demeanor and was anxious to share his story. He points to a house across the street from the train station and tells us that he left there when he was ten.
His mom was a drug addict and couldn’t take care of his siblings and him. Child Protective Services took them away. He’s never seen any of them since, and he was in and out of Foster Care until he aged out.
We approached Calvin, who was sitting calmly in the shade. Initially, when we asked him his name, he said he was known as “Wolf.” Such a reference seemed to imply that he was someone who was big and bad. Curiously, we inquired, “Are we supposed to be afraid of you?” He gently laughed and said, “That was a long time ago.”
With an effervescent personality, when Tanyika saw we were taking pictures, she requested that we take one of her.
Beaming, she got as close as possible for us to capture her.
Originally from Mississippi, he used to work for the school district in his town in maintenance before becoming a Marine where he served from 1984 to 1990 and did tours in Lebanon and Kuwait. Michael has been homeless for 22 years.