On our second trip out we had brought new pairs of socks to be handed out and Daniel had touched us so much that we went out looking for him. We found him and when I handed him the new socks he broke into tears again. He pointed to the socks he head on and they were caked with dirt and grime. He immediately sat down and put on his new socks. His face had the biggest smile when he had his new socks on.
Richard was definitely surprised by us giving him goodies but he really got excited when we handed him the letter of hope and told him that someone from across the country wrote him a letter of encouragement. By the time we reached by truck Richard was sitting on the ground reading his letter.
Joseph worked as a CPA for 20 years before he got addicted to drinking and now has been on the street for the past 5 years. but he told us he had been clean for the past year and is just trying to find a way off the streets and back into a normal life.
When we met Ken he told us about how his wife passed away and he went into a downward spiral. He started drinking, he lost his job, his house, and before he knew it was on the streets. He has been on the streets for a couple years and now is sober and in his spare time he creates art and gives his drawings to children.
When we met Steve, we gave him a new shirt, new pair of socks and toiletry supplies. He said he could not remember the last time he had a new toothbrush. Moments like that meeting with Steve made me realize how important these things we take for granted are for those who are living on the streets.