Join the “Change a Life” Challenge

As I begin year 12 serving homeless men in the Bellevue, WA area, I continue to be amazed at the lessons I have learned. Most men are in a shelter or in homeless situation because of some poor decisions, relationships gone off the rails, or a financial setback. But learning to live amidst uncertainy and sometimes chaos requires a certain toughness that many of the men acquire. This combination of grit and street smarts can lead eventually to productive lives with help from others.

Saturday I visited one of our men from Congregations for the Homeless (CFH) in hospice care.   It would have been easy in my pre-CFH days to “write him off” as another homeless guy living in the trees. But over time and a personal relationship I learned of his talents in the artistic field and his ability to care and have concern for other homeless men. He became an employee of Congregations for the Homeless and assisted men in the shelter. I learned from him persistence, genuine love and patience, all qualities that I must work at each day.

Yesterday I was able to work on employment opportunities for a young man with potential but who has “fought” the system and has an “edge” to his style with people. Upon getting to know him, I see a potential leader, a higher than average intelligence factor, and desire for competence and quality in the work he does.

One key to success for homeless men or those in shelters is mentorship related to relationships, work, finances and spiritual development.   The opportunities to mentor, and to Change a Life,  are many.   We are looking for men and couples to take up the Change a Life Challenge to become mentors. My prayer is to raise 10 men or couples to “stand in the gap” and become mentors to the men that I have come to respect and love. Any takers? We train and monitor to insure each mentor person or couple has a great experience.

Another Shelter Dinner