From Homelessness to Success

James came to the PARC 8 years ago. He was homeless and staying at The Salvation Army. I remember James as kind and friendly and perhaps very frustrated with his circumstances and situation. James finally found a part time job and we didn't see him for awhile. Over the years, he has checked in with us to share his journey and the progress that he has made. I remember the first time he came a couple of years after being at the PARC, because he wanted to tell us he was working and he had a place to live. As we were talking, I asked him why he came back. He said, "I wanted you to see what I look like when I'm not homeless anymore. Ya'll believed in me, and I wanted you to see."

Last week, James came into the PARC with his wife. In these past years, James has been working. He is now in his second fulltime job allowing him and his wife to be able to move into a larger home and to drive a 'fancy' (his words) vehicle. He had some good news that he was so excited to share. 

James and his wife have both been working for Walmart. He recently has been provided the opportunity to get his CDL so that he can drive a truck for Walmart. "It's a really good salary with benefits and everything," he said. "I will have regular hours and be able to be home with my family every evening and on weekends." We talked for a while longer and he kept saying, "I just had to come by and tell ya'll and let you know." He is proud of himself and his accomplishments. He found the place that believed in him when he was homeless and now he believes in himself.. As he and his wife prepared to leave and were walking away, he turned around to look at me and said, "From homelessness to a 6 figure income. I would say that is pretty good." So would I James. So would I.

I will end this newsletter with the same words that I did the last. These stories are snippets of what God is doing in the lives of people who come here. It is not only a change that impacts them, but a change that impacts families and this community. The ripple effect is powerful. The ripple effect is eternal.