Fridays with Mac: "More Like You"

Ten years of A Stronger Cord and trying to lessen the impact of homelessness. Time flies, issue remains. It’s not easy to fix.

Actually, my opinion, we’re never going to completely eliminate homelessness. There’s always been vagabonds in our midst. Those who “ride the rails” or whatever. What America has today goes far broader. Joining modern-day hobos are those in the grips of the destructive duo of mental illness and addiction. Throw in a third group caught in rising housing costs, personal issues and unforeseen bad luck leaving them vulnerable to life on the streets? We’ve got far too many isolated, vulnerable and displaced folks in alleys, parks, on sidewalks, along waterways and other locations sought as shelter from the battering storms of life.

Many shout, “We need more money!” Maybe that’s true. However, we need concerned members of our communities to invest another valuable currency: Time. We need more John and Julie’s.

Recently, I was in Tucson, Arizona for my niece’s graduation from the University of Arizona. While there, opportunity presented itself to visit with an ol’ buddy, Stephen. This tough-as-nails guy and your knucklehead scribe got to know one another a few years ago during the Arizona native’s time at the Denver Rescue Mission. This sarcastic chap was in the New Life Program, where ASC was born a decade ago through working with men in this 12-18 month program offering housing, employment skills and personal development. It’s a true blessing knowing, only through God’s grace, it’s not me in the program and somebody else encouraging a downtrodden dude to take care of my body, build healthy relationships and serve others in building a stronger cord to my family, purpose and community. Grateful.

Anyway, back to the point. John and Julie attend a Tucson church. Stephen one day while riding a city bus notices and decides to check it out. The guy who admittedly has lived a nomadic existence is greeted warmly. Not all experiencing homelessness and housing uncertainty are so welcomed. A relationship was born between the trio. John and Julie joined me in helping Stephen move stuff from a storage facility to his new apartment, courtesy of Tucson public housing. What a blessing but just the start. We need to provide our fellow travelers on this roller coaster called life more than just a roof over their heads. We need to offer them hope. Building relationships is the first step. John and Julie are superstars!

Yes, when talking about lessening the impact of homelessness we need more housing, better strategies about employment, transportation and many other things. However, I pray we don’t diminish the importance of offering folks on the comeback trail someone to walk alongside and coach ‘em up. Encourage them. Too many we’re trying to help sorely lack positive role models. Some have NEVER had such a person in their lives. How can we expect someone to live successfully if they’ve never be shown how? We all have stories and know, or should, there have been times when we needed a success advocate. Stephen’s got this darling couple, yours truly and many others in his corner. Wish him luck!

Just one ol’ washed up television sports guy’s opinion but here goes. America’s Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other faith-based communities, service groups (Kiwanis, Optimist, Rotary) and business (Chambers of Commerce and such) need to make this, when it comes to community service, a major priority.

We need more John and Julie’s. Servants of hope and confidence for those who truly desire an exit from homelessness, but don’t know how. We build relationships, earn trust and figure out, with case managers at established agencies, a good path forward. That’s what Change The Trend’s all about and ASC’s darn proud to be part of the team in the Tri-Cities area of south Denver, the municipalities of Englewood, Littleton and Sheridan trying to lessen the impact of homelessness.

America has too many unhoused. It also has too many troubled souls who create Uvalde’s. Buffalo’s. They need our societal help, care and concern along with governmental policies and regulations. It’s a team effort. If we never grow weary of helping them, who knows, maybe our nation will reap a big ol’ harvest of lessening its impact.

John and Julie, thanks for believing that’s true. America needs more like you!