Chris's Journey: From Homelessness to Hope

My story of hope is about a chap called Chris who I met whilst working with a number of agencies focused on poverty. One of those partners was a winter shelter, places where homeless people can come and get support.

I remember Chris quite specifically because he was a cheeky chap who ended up observing one of our immersive programs based around an Indian slum. At the end, in front of everyone, Chris stepped in and asked for the microphone.

"I'd like to thank the winter shelter for helping me. I was there last night and woke up this morning and got given these new boots and this jacket. Six months ago, I lost my job and my wife left me, and I ended up on the streets. I just like to say thank you to the winter shelter."

I found out tragically that a few years later, Chris died of alcohol-related issues. Every day in shelters and programs up and down the country, there are extraordinary acts of empathy and hopefulness—acts of solidarity, of being willing to be in the moment with people like Chris and so many others.