It's the Little Things that Keep People Homeless. And it's the Little Things that can End Homelessness.

Every journey begins with a small shift—a single moment when you realize change is possible. For me, that moment happened one cold morning as I drove to work in St. George, Utah. That’s when I met Ray.?

Ray was in a wheelchair, slowly making his way to find warmth and coffee. I learned that a stolen wallet had left him without identification, which meant he couldn’t access housing or the resources he desperately needed. I couldn’t believe something so simple could leave someone trapped for years. That realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I knew I had to do something.?

I spent that day making dozens of calls, crying in frustration at the DMV, and refusing to leave until Ray had a temporary ID. By the end of the day, we’d secured his vital documents and found him permanent housing—his first roof over his head in years.?

That was my "Rear-View Mirror moment," the moment I knew I couldn’t look away from the systemic challenges people like Ray face. That one day changed the trajectory of my life and planted the seed for Switchpoint.?

The Power of Small Interventions?

Ray’s story taught me something crucial: big change often starts with small interventions. For him, it was as simple as reclaiming his ID. For others, it might be access to legal help, a deposit for housing, or even basic healthcare. These seemingly small barriers are often the only things standing between someone and stability.?

I remember thinking, "When something as small as a lost wallet can create a life sentence of homelessness, we have to do better. We have to break down these barriers and give people a fighting chance."?

A Model of Empowerment?

At Switchpoint, we don’t just provide services—we empower people to take control of their own lives. It’s about more than handing out solutions. It’s about equipping people with the tools and belief in themselves to move forward.?

When Ray got his ID and his housing, he didn’t just regain a home. He regained his hope. That’s what we aim to do for every person who walks through our doors. Show them that they matter. That their past doesn’t have to define their future.?

The Ripple Effect?

Ray’s story didn’t end with him. His journey inspired me to create a scalable model of support that has now helped thousands of individuals find their own switch points. It’s a ripple effect. When one life changes direction, it impacts families, communities, and beyond.?

Your Role in Changing Lives?

Meeting Ray changed my life, and it showed me something powerful: we all have the ability to be a switch point for someone else. Whether it’s through donating, volunteering, or simply showing compassion to those in need, you can make a difference.?

At Switchpoint, our motto is simple: "It takes all of us." Together, we can create miracles. They’re not magic—they’re the result of collective effort and a belief in human potential. Let’s work together to ensure that every small intervention leads to a life-changing transformation.?

Carol Hollowell is the founder and CEO of Switchpoint.

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