God's Concrete Angels
He will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Matthew 25:45
Looking at his disciples, Jesus said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh." — Luke 6:20-21
These Are Some of the Life Stories of Some of God's Concrete Angels. Stories of Their Struggles and Successes, Tragedies and Triumphs, Their Stories,Their Truths. We Will Continue to Add More of God's Concrete Angels and Their Stories to Our List, as Well as Updates on Them as We Take the Journey Along Side of Them to Help Guide Them in Less Tragedies and More Triumphs!
*UPDATE*
*UPDATE*
01/2020
Ricky is still patiently awaiting help with housing. Ricky has been on the priority list for housing for a few years now. We are quickly learning that "priority housing" is not so "priority", just knowing that Ricky has been on this list for a few years now, as well as others of God's Concrete Angels. Along with the daily struggles of being homeless Ricky also continues to battle his mesothelioma cancer, but through it all Ricky does his best to stay positive, never hesitating to try and help his fellow homeless Angel. Please keep Ricky in your prayers as we continue to do what we can for him and all of God's Concrete Angels for a better 2020!
Brenda and Rick have been homeless for over a year now, and on the housing list for two and a half years. Brenda is 58 years of age and Rick is 60 years of age. Rick is a licensed EMT, a job he did for four years, as well as doing home healthcare for seven years. Brenda was a dental assistant for seven years. We first met Brenda and Rick when we first launched God's Concrete Angels and were doing an outreach with God's Concrete Angels on a Saturday morning. Rick came around the corner from where we were setup giving out donations and he asked if we could come to where he and a group of God's Concrete Angels were at, which was in one of the many tent cities throughout the Dallas area. We found out quickly why Rick is nicknamed "Papa" on the street. Rick not only cares for himself and Brenda, but he also looks out for others of God's Concrete Angels as well. Rick will share what is donated to him to others of God's Concrete Angels, making sure that they also have what they need.
Rick told us that he ended up on the street after serving time in prison for the manufacturing of drugs. After prison Rick told us that he still had not learned his lesson and was arrested again for the same thing. Through his time in and out of prison Rick has lived off and on for the past few years on the streets. Rick said for him his turning point in life happened on his mother's death bed. Rick was in prison when his mother was dying and he was allowed a special leave to visit his mother before she passed. Rick said before his mother passed she asked him to promise her that he would no longer be involved in drugs in any way and he said it was at that moment, when he made his mother that promise, that he has never gone back to being involved in drugs and has tried to get his life together.
Rick and Brenda's time on the streets have certainly taken its toll on the two of them. Part of that toll for Rick has been dealing with a diagnosis of cancer. While Rick was in prison he was tasked with working on part of the prison that involved working with asbestos and from that work he developed mesothelioma cancer. Rick does his best to hide his hardships from everyone, because he is determined to do what he needs to do to get him and Brenda off the streets, but you can clearly see that it continues to be a hard fight.
Brenda found herself on the streets when her husband became ill and passed away and she was not able to keep up the payments on their home and then she got injured and fell even further behind on her bills. Brenda has been homeless just over a year now and for anyone homeless and living on the streets it is a very difficult situation, but for a woman it becomes even more so because of all of the increased dangers for a homeless woman versus a homeless man. Brenda says that she often feels afraid, hungry, and lonesome on the streets. In the short time we have known Brenda she has been attacked by a pit bull, gotten a virus infection on the brain, and had two strokes, all while on the streets,but she, like Rick, hangs tough and does what she can to survive.
Rick will be the first to tell you that he knows and understands that his past situation has a lot to do with his present situation, but he will also tell you that he served all of his prison time that was given to him and yet he is still being punished by society, but please know Rick does not make any excuses for himself. Rick and Brenda have gone through the steps required of them thus far to get off the streets, Rick has even applied for work with no success. Rick says that people should not think that all homeless people are lazy, that a lot of the homeless would love to work, if just given a chance. Rick has panhandled for food, sold scrape metal for money, as well as given plasma for money, (something he can no longer do because of his cancer), but through it all he and Brenda try to remain positive and hopeful, with a strong faith in God, even though they have been through all they have been through.
Of the many things that Brenda and Rick have shared with us, (about life on the street), two of the most heartbreaking things have been the fact that most people, who are not homeless, treat them like trash on a daily basis and their worst fear is dying on the streets. God's Concrete Angels does not want that for any of our beautiful Angels. God's Concrete Angels, along with Metro Relief, continue to work with Brenda and Rick, to do what we can, by way of needed donations, as well as reaching out to those organizations that have the capability to see what can be done about their housing situation and their ongoing medical situations.
Angel T.J.
T.J. is 62 years of age and has been homeless for about a year. T.J. was recently staying in one of the local shelters, but he was late getting back to the shelter one day, after being at the hospital for treatment on his feet and the shelter put him out and threw away the few belongings he had. When we came upon him on this particular day T.J. was back on his way to the hospital for his feet. As you can see from the picture his feet were completely swollen and from his most recent visit to the hospital they had put a wrist band on him alerting people to the fact that he was at risk of falling. We gave T.J. some assistance in getting back to the hospital for help with his feet. We ask as always that you keep all of God's Concrete Angels in your constant prayers.
Angel Jeff
*UPDATE*
We have great news regarding Jeff and his health. Jeff has been released from the hospital and is recovering quite well at his friends sisters home. We are so glad to hear this and we will continue to check in on Jeff. As always please keep all of God's Concrete Angels in your prayers.
We first encountered Jeff on one of our recent Saturday Outreach's. Jeff is 65 years of age and a Veteran. He has been homeless for about two years and has difficulty walking so he is usually confined to his tent. Some of his fellow Angels check on him and watch over him as much as they can.
On the day we met him he was in great pain. One of his fellow Angels said that he had soiled his pants and that they didn't have any pants to give to him, so we went to the store and got him some new pants and a new shirt. As some of our beautiful Angels tried to help him into his new clothes we quickly found out why our beautiful Angel Jeff was in such great pain.
Jeff had not only soiled his pants but underneath his old pants he had on a depends diaper that he had been wearing for a few days, that was also completely soiled. After one of his fellow Angels cut the depends diaper off it was very evident from where our beautiful Angel Jeff's pain was coming from. Jeff had visible open wounds all over his backside from his lack of care of being homeless, not able to get around very well, and confined to his tent.
Right away we called the paramedics and when they arrived they too were astounded at Jeff's condition. Jeff is now recuperating at the hospital and we will keep you updated on his condition and once again we ask that you keep all of God's Concrete Angels in your prayers as we continue to do what we can to alleviate some of the suffering of God's Concrete Angels.
Angel Debbie
*UPDATE*
01/2020
We just recently heard from Gwen Wilson, the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Organization, Hope for Marshall County Food Pantry out of Oklahoma, she let us know that Debbie is not only surviving, but thriving. Debbie is working and has her own place and is very, very, happy. We continue to keep Debbie and all of God's Concrete Angels in our hearts and prayers. We are so proud of Debbie!
*UPDATE*
We are so pleased to report that Debbie is now home with her family. With Tracey, one of God's Concrete Angels leaders leading the charge, she was able to connect with a beautiful Nonprofit Organization, by the name of Hope for Marshall County Food Pantry out of Oklahoma, and it's Executive Director Gwen Wilson, to help in locating Debbie's sister. Debbie's sister told us that it was her birthday in a few days and that she could not have received a better and more important gift then the gift of having her sister back home. We wish to extend a beautiful thank you and God Bless you to Tracey and Gwen and her Organization Hope for Marshall County Food Pantry for all of their work in helping us locate Debbie's sister. Please find below some of the beautiful pictures taken of this beautiful reunion.
We were first introduced to Debbie by one of our other beautiful Angels. At the time we met Debbie she was sleeping on a blanket outside with no cover over her head, just her and the sky above. Debbie is 59 years of age and has been homeless since February 2019. Debbie moved to Texas because of a romantic relationship that soon ended. And without anywhere to go, no money, and not knowing anyone in Texas she ended up alone and on the street.
Debbie had a job as a truck-driver for 18 years, but then she developed congestive heart problems and because of this she was not able to continue to drive. She worked at a restaurant in Oklahoma after that and is trying her hardest to get back to Oklahoma where she has family and friends. In order to save some money and get back to Oklahoma Debbie has begun to knit these beautiful items that you see displayed in the picture above, even using chopsticks to knit instead of knitting needles.
We are also doing what we can to get Debbie back home to Oklahoma. Tracey, who is part of the Angel Leadership of God's Concrete Angels, has taken the lead in connecting with people from Debbie's hometown in Oklahoma to see if we can help Debbie make this happen and get her back home where she belongs.
Angel Carl
We were first introduced to Carl one recent Saturday when we were visiting with Metro Relief as they handed out lemonade and soup. Carl is 77 years of age and suffers from prostate cancer. Carl is originally from Gary, Indiana and still has family there. We were able to give Carl some clothing because the clothing he was wearing had gotten all wet from the rain earlier in the day. Carl is currently staying outside but is hoping to get back into the shelter and from their back on his feet and back to family in Gary, Indiana.
Angel Barbra
Barbra is currently staying at one of the local shelters and tells us that even though she is staying in the shelter, and is without a permanent home at the moment, that for her personally "it's all about serving and that she is here to serve". Barbra goes on to say that she doesn't see her situation as bleak and without hope, but yet more of an opportunity for her to be a beacon of light for others who seem without hope, through the sharing of the word of God.
Angel Julie Ann and Angel Charles, (aka Blue Eyes)
Julie Ann is 67 years of age and her husband, Charles, is 66 years of age. They have been together for 13 years and homeless for 4 years. Julie Ann graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in mathematics and computer science, and a minor in physics. Julie Ann also holds a license in fiber optic engineering. Julie Ann worked at AT&T for 26 years. Charles is a certified welder and electrician. He can lay sheet rock and ceramic tile.
Julie Ann told us that what led to her and Charles becoming homeless was their addiction to drugs, specifically crack and meth. Julie Ann said that it is important that people know that this is what can happen when you get into doing drugs, you can end up losing everything, just as her and Charles have. They are both on the road to recovery and to finding permanent housing. Julie Ann and Charles know that it is an uphill battle, but they remain positive and strong for each other. We will continue to help them in whatever way we can to win the battle.
Angel A.J., Angel Joe, and Angel Oreo
*UPDATE*
FEBRUARY 28, 2021
Joe, A.J., and Oreo are once again off the streets and doing well. We hope that they are able to permanently stay off the streets, we will keep you updated.
*UPDATE*
DECEMBER 13, 2020
Joe and A.J. are once again back on the streets. Joe and A.J. know that in order to continuously stay off the streets their are rules that must be followed and laws that must be obeyed. It can be most difficult at times for some of God's Concrete Angels to get used to being off the streets and doing what must be done to stay off the streets, but we are still there for them, cheering them on and loving them where they are, in spite of their setbacks.
*UPDATE*
SEPTEMBER 19,2020
As of this writing Angel Joe and Angel A.J. not only have been able to purchase a car, but they also have been able to get a place to live. We are beyond proud of the work and persistence they have put in to make this happen for them. We love you Joe, A.J., and Oreo and may God continue to Bless You All!!
*UPDATE*
FEBRUARY 14, 2020
We are happy to announce that as of February 14, 2020 Joe, A.J., and Oreo are back together after a brief separation. They remain committed to one another and vow to do what is necessary to keep moving forward and grow stronger and stronger together. They, like a lot of God's Concrete Angels, continue to also look forward to permanent housing and a real home. Please, as always, we ask that you keep all of God's Concrete Angels in your hearts and Prayers and thank you.
*UPDATE*
09/2019
On September 21, 2019 Angel Joe and Angel A.J. were married out in tent city. With the help of The Harvest House putting together the event and providing the rings, the food, the music, and A.J.'s beautiful dress, they came together as one! CONGRATULATIONS ANGEL JOE, ANGEL A.J., AND ANGEL OREO!!!
*UPDATE*
07/2019
Joe and A.J. have had a setback in their plans to remain off of the streets. Even though they had a place and A.J. had a job she was not able to get full-time hours and Joe was not able to find work at all. And because of this situation they were not able to afford to stay in their new place and are back on the streets.
Just like any of us that have had setbacks in our lives, and have had to begin again, so it is no different for some of God's Concrete Angels. Joe and A.J. remain positive and Joe has just recently gotten a job and is saving his money and has set a time-frame to get off the streets for good. We continue to work with Joe and A.J. and I will assure you that their ultimate goal is to get back off the streets sooner then later. As Joe and A.J. told me when I recently asked them if they wish to remain on the streets, they both emphatically said NO!! Please keep Joe, A.J., and Oreo in your prayers
We first met A.J., Joe, and Oreo underneath one of the bridges living in a small tent in Dallas. They have been homeless since February 26, 2019. A.J. is 31 years of age and Joe is 43 years of age. They have been together for 12 years.
Joe had a job that changed to straight commission and he was not able to survive on just straight commission. A.J. also had a job, at a thrift store, making $7.25 an hour. A.J. quit that job to find a job with more hours and more pay, but was not able to find one. It was about this time that Joe lost his job. So with the two of them out of work and Joe going through all of their savings to keep them afloat, and no money coming in, they eventually fell behind on their rent and lost their apartment. Joe now has a job but unfortunately he does not make enough to afford a place to live. So he works fulltime during the day and comes home at night to A.J. and Oreo to a tent outside in the elements.
Even though they find themselves in a difficult situation Joe and A.J. do not play the victim but rather they continue to seek out better opportunities for themselves. Joe is saving all that he can from his job and believes that this is something that happened in their lives but that the tide will turn and they will soon begin anew in their own place sooner then later. We are doing what we can, along with Metro Relief, who is leading the charge, to help this happen for A.J., Joe, and Oreo.
Angel Dustin
*UPDATE*
With the help of Cornerstone Baptist Church Dustin now has a job with the Church, as well as housing. We are so glad for Dustin and hope that he will continue on to much, much, more success.
We first met Dustin one cold Sunday morning at the SoupMobile Church, the clothes he has on is all that he had to his name. David, the Executive Director with the SoupMobile Church, was able to find this blanket for him that you see Dustin holding. Dustin is 18 years of age and has been on the streets for 3 weeks now. At the age of 12 Dustin's mom passed away and he became a ward of the state and put into a Foster home, he has never known his father. At the age of 18 he had aged out of the Foster System and with nowhere to go and no one to turn too for help he ended up on the streets where he has already been beaten up. We have put a call out to hopefully help Dustin quickly find some assistance.
Angel Freddie and Angel Lisa
*UPDATE*
04/2020
Freddie and Lisa find themselves once again homeless. The home they were renting did not work out. The landlord had promised to work with Freddie and Lisa on the rent payments before Lisa and Freddie moved in, but sadly that all changed when they moved in to the home. The landlord went back on his agreement and would no longer work with them, even though Freddie works two jobs and was paying the agreed upon amount for rent. We will continue to update you on Freddie and Lisa's journey to permanent housing. As always we ask that you keep all of God's Concrete Angels in your hearts and Prayers and thank you.
*UPDATE*
02/28/2020
We are happy to announce that Freddie and Lisa are now in their own place! One of the two jobs Freddie works at was able to help them out with a place to live and to finally get off the streets. We are so, so, happy for Freddie and Lisa and we know that this is only the beginning for the two of them and their wonderful future ahead. CONGRATULATIONS FREDDIE AND LISA, KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!
We have known Freddie and Lisa before we began with God's Concrete Angels, meeting them initially at the SoupMobile Church, where they would attend almost every Sunday. Freddie and Lisa have been homeless now for over 6 months. Freddie is 55 years of age and Lisa is 52 years of age. Freddie and Lisa had a job overseeing a man's property, this also allowed them to stay there as well. But then the man's son returned home and took over the property, which in turn led to Freddie and Lisa without a job and without a place to live.
Freddie is working two jobs at the momemt to save money and get off the streets and back into a place he and Lisa can once again call home. They just recently came across an apartment that would allow this to happen, but sadly the last tenants that occupied the apartment left it unlivable and left Freddie and Lisa still on the streets. In the meantime Freddie and Lisa continue to look for other places and believe that this will happen for them sooner then later. We are also keeping our eyes and ears open for them and as always we ask that you keep all of God's Concrete Angels in your prayers and thank you.
Angel Virginia and Angel Marieta
We met Virginia and her 47 year old daughter, Marieta, who has Down syndrome, on one of our Saturday Outreach's. Virginia, who is 70 years of age, and her daughter,who she takes care of, both who are homeless, do their best to survive. They are currently staying at one of the local shelters, but are hoping for permanent housing. Virginia will be the first to tell you this is not the life she envisioned for her and her beautiful Angel, Marieta.
Angel Frankie
*UPDATE*
07/2019
The carwash that Frankie was working at recently closed down and Frankie is looking for work at the moment. We will keep everyone updated and as always keep all of God's Concrete Angels in your prayers.
Frankie is 32 years old and has been homeless, off and on, since she was 13 years of age. We met Frankie on the same day we met Brenda and Rick, they were all in the same tent city. From Frankie's time on the streets she likes to say "I'm not new to this I'm true to this." She says through the grace of God, who watches over her, she continues to make it day by day, although it is still scary at times. Frankie tells us that a lot of people, who are not homeless, look down on people that are homeless, that people don't understand that situations have happened to them. She said that some people become homeless by choice, some by situations and circumstances, and some people by force. Frankie said that in her situation it was because of abuse from family members that landed her on the streets. Frankie said her family will have nothing to do with her.
Frankie tells us that one of the best things that happens to her on the streets is when she is able to wake up and see another day. For Frankie the three words that best describe being homeless is survival, faith, and hope. Fear of survival, faith to make it, and hope for something better to come. She tells us that one of the hardest things about being homeless is just making it day by day.
Frankie says that she has seen and experienced a lot, but through the Grace and Mercy of God he gives her the strength to keep fighting and going. She also says that it is because of her faith in the Lord that when she just feels like giving up she is able to keep going in spite of her circumstances. One of those times when her faith in the Lord sustained her was when she found one of her homeless friends who had passed away, Frankie said that image will forever be in her mind.
Frankie said that it is God that makes her feel safe. She says that not only being a woman, but also being a homeless woman, is what makes it so very hard on the streets. Frankie said, just as Brenda and Rick have said, that one of her biggest fears is dying on the streets. She said that most people who are not homeless look down on those who are and think they are better then them, not knowing Frankie said, that the Bible says, "the first shall be last and the last shall be first." Frankie said,"she will get Blessed on God's time, and that she moves on God's time." With God's help God's Concrete Angels will do everything they can to help Frankie receive those Blessings!
Angel Brandon and Angel Donna
Angel Tank and Angel Foxxy
*UPDATE*
07/2019
Brandon and Donna have gone through alot of changes in a short time. Their car that they were living out of quit working and they ended up giving up their dog Tank to the local animal shelter. But through these setbacks came some relief and much needed help.
First they were able to trade in their car for a van that had alot more room and their dog Tank was adopted shortly after being released to the shelter by a wonderful individual. Brandon and Donna are also currently working with a case manager out of CitySquare to assist them in getting off of the street and back into the security of a home. We will continue to keep you updated and please continue to keep all of God's Concrete Angels in your prayers as they do what they can and we do what we can to help get them and other ones of God's Concrete Angels off the streets.
On one of our more recent outreach's with God's Concrete Angels we found Donna, her son Brandon, and their two dogs, Tank and Foxxy. They have been homeless since January of 2019. Donna is 55 years of age and Brandon is 29 years of age. Donna suffers from several medical problems but tries to remain positive. They had been living in a rental home when Brandon lost his job, their only means of support. They tried to get the landlord to work with them but to no avail and with nowhere else to go they ended up homeless and living out of their car.
Brandon just recently got a job working fulltime and hopes to be able to save as much as possible to get him and his mom back on their feet. While Brandon is at work Donna goes and checks on leads that would help them make that move. They are both working hard to do what they can to change their circumstances. We, along with a wonderful individual by the name of Tim, who also works with the homeless community, are doing what we can to help make that move, from living on the streets to living in a home, a reality for them.
Angel Eric
Eric approached us one day when we were visiting one of the many tent cities and told us his story. Eric said he was asleep in his tent one night and he woke up feeling alot of pain and looked down and noticed some kind of liquid all over his left arm. He soon was to discover that someone had walked by and thrown acid on him while he was asleep in his tent. Eric tells us that he doesn't understand why someone would do this to another human being. This is just one of the many dangers that God's Concrete Angels face on the streets on a daily basis.
Angel Mr. Bill and Angel Sherry
*UPDATE*
10/2020
We are sad to announce that we just recently found out that Angel Sherry has passed away. Sherry had been off the streets and in her own apartment for about a year. We met Sherry early on in our Outreach with God's Concrete Angels and we were always amazed at how strong of a spirit she had, even in the most dire of circumstances. Sherry will certainly be missed by all who had the opportunity to get to know her and love her for her strong and beautiful spirit, just as we did. Even though she has left us we know that she lives on with God and his Angels and her and Miss Brenda are now riding horses together in that Big Ranch in the Heavens!! WE LOVE YOU ANGEL SHERRY!!
*UPDATE*
10/2019
We are happy and proud to announce that both Mr. Bill and Sherry have now been housed!! We are so, so, happy for the both of them. Mr. Bill was able to get a place with the newly completed St. Jude Center Senior Housing facility. The facility is for single homeless seniors 55 and older. Sherry, working with CitySquare and Metrocare, was able to secure housing for herself and is loving it so much. Both Mr. Bill and Sherry are happy to finally be off the streets and in their own place. We ask that you please continue to keep Mr. Bill and Sherry in your prayers as they make this transition from despair to finally happiness!!
We met Mr. Bill and Sherry not too long after we started going out on our outreach's. Mr. Bill is 66 years of age and has been homeless off and on for over 15 years. Mr. Bill will tell you that he has done time in prison for possession of drugs, his longest stretch was for 13 years. The year 2000 was the last time he was in prison. Like Rick Mr. Bill will tell you that he realizes that his past has greatly impacted his present, but he keeps moving forward.
Mr. Bill has an injury to his foot that limits his mobility and just recently he was working fulltime at a nonprofit that helps the needy and he re-injured it, causing him to have to quit the job. A job that he greatly enjoyed but required him being on his feet all day and with the re-injury of his foot he was not able to keep the job.
Even though Mr. Bill likes to say "He is a jack of all trades and a master of none", he is very skilled in numerous professions. Mr. Bill graduated with a 3.8 GPA and he can repair any type of trailer except a car hauler and he is also a decent auto mechanic.
Sherry is 42 years of age and has been homeless for 9 years. Sherry drove 18 wheeler trucks for the oil fields for eight and a half years, as well as hauled military freight. When Sherry came down with numerous health problems it caused her to lose her CDL license for driving 18 wheeler trucks, which in turn caused her to lose her job. Sherry has had a brain aneurysm that led to a stroke and she also has diabetes. Sherry, like Mr. Bill, also graduated with a high GPA, Sherry's was a 4.0.
Both Sherry and Mr. Bill, like most of God's Concrete Angels, do their best to remain positive and hopeful. They are both staying in a tent outside in the elements, but Mr. Bill has a friend that he is hoping will help him and Sherry with housing and Mr. Bill is also on the housing list. They are keeping all of their options open and continue to focus on what they can do, and not what they can't do, to get themselves off the streets. We will be with them every step of the way and do what we can to help as well.
Angel Timo
*UPDATE*
01/2020
Timo continues to do well. We heard from him on Christmas Day and he is continuing to work and is staying with family. We once told Timo that he had nine lives, with all of the fights he was involved in and the injuries he would receive from some of those fights, some very serious. So needless to say we cannot be prouder of Timo and his continued success!! As always keep Timo and all of God's Concrete Angels in you constant hearts and prayers.
*UPDATE*
10/2019
Timo is now at home with family and is doing wonderfully. He has also gotten a job and continues to do well overall. We ask that you continue to always keep Timo and all of God's Concrete Angels in your prayers and thank you from all of God's Concrete Angels.
Timo is 57 years of age and has been homeless for over two and half years. Timo hopes to be in his own home within the year. At one point Timo had a good paying job as a Superintendent with a Fire and Security Company, for many years, and then he became sick and was hospitalized for several days and was subsequently laid off from his job. Without any steady income coming in Timo eventually ended up losing everything and becoming homeless.
Just like a lot of God's Concrete Angels Timo has witnessed a great deal while on the streets. He said that trouble can happen at anytime on the street and knowing this can make for even more difficult circumstances. Just recently someone set Timo's tent on fire, destroying everything he had, thankfully Timo had just left his tent and was down the street when the fire occurred. Even though Timo was not hurt he did have to start all over again. Timo said that, along with the dangers that the streets can pose, he also faces the disdain he receives from those that are not homeless, treating him and other homeless as though they are lower class citizens. Timo said he tries not to let this bother him, but just talking with him you can tell it does weigh on him. He said one of the best things that does happen to him on any given week is getting new clothes.
Timo will tell you that he has been involved in a lot of fights in order to survive on the streets, and from these fights he has been hospitalized more than once from the injuries sustained from these fights. He said because of the fights he has been involved in, (and has not backed down), because of this, it has earned him respect on the streets, although one of his biggest fears is being killed by gangs. In terms of his fighting for respect on the streets, we have seen, as of late, Timo begin to become more in touch with God and his Spiritual Being, meeting with a Pastor that comes out to visit. The changes have been wonderful, with Timo wanting to Pray with us. He said that there is a lot of negativity and misery with being homeless and he often times feels sad, depressed, and embarrassed at being homeless, but that this new found hope has helped out tremendously during these times.
Timo said that one of the hardest things about being homeless is losing his dignity and getting depressed. He would like people to know to do whatever you can to not find yourself homeless. Because, Timo says, once you find yourself homeless it is really easy to pick up bad habits and be influenced by the bad people around you, and after that it can become very difficult to start over again.
One of the things that Timo does to keep his mind off of the situation he is in is he goes out under the bridges, where there are other homeless that are too afraid to go anywhere, many that are mentally disabled, and he checks on them to make sure they are doing okay. He said this helps him to realize that even though he might have it bad, there are others that have it even worse. God's Concrete Angels continues to work with Timo and his goal of his own place, along with letting him know that the only kind of fighting we wish to see from him is fighting for a chance to get off the streets. A fight that is the ultimate fight, and a fight definitely worth WINNING!!
Angel Kevin
*UPDATE*
04/2020
We recently ran into Kevin and he was excited to let us know that he has been clean and sober for 4 months now and that he continues to take it one day at a time. He credits the Lord and the nonprofit organization, Soul's Harbor for his continued healing. Kevin we are so PROUD OF YOU!! GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP GOING!!
*UPDATE*
10/2019
We are happy to announce that Kevin has contacted us and he is now in a 6 month recovery program at the nonprofit organization Soul's Harbor. Soul's Harbor is "A Recovery Community for Homeless Men". Soul's Harbor has been around since 1956 and works with homeless men and their addictions. We are so proud of Kevin and his decision to be a part of Soul's Harbor and their recovery program and we ask that you keep Kevin in your prayers as he works to become the kind of man God has in store for him. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU KEVIN!!!
Kevin is 55 years of age and he has been homeless since 2015. Kevin, like so many of God's Concrete Angels, wishes to be in his own place and off the streets. Kevin said his main downfall was getting involved in drugs. He said at one point in his life he had a place to live and a good job, making good money, and then he got involved in drugs. He said meth was his drug of choice, but he also smoked crack for several years. It got to the point where he found himself spending the majority of every paycheck on drugs. All of this eventually led to him losing his job, as well as everything else, and becoming homeless.
Like most of God's Concrete Angels we have encountered, Kevin does not blame others for what has happened to him. He understands that, like most of us, he can be his own worst enemy. Kevin tells us that "the struggle is real." He said that with everything he has been through on the streets it has made him "certified on this black top", Kevin additionally adds, "are we not men." Kevin said that people who are not homeless see the homeless as a stigma, not to be connected too, but rather disconnected from. An example Kevin gives is: "We can feed the animals, but just don't pet them."
Kevin said that some of the largest number of homeless he has encountered are those with mental health conditions and developmental disability's. He wants people to know that, as the Bible says, "He will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Matthew 25:45. He said in order to survive on the streets he chooses not to be a prisoner in his own mind, but instead to teach people to respect you and more importantly to respect yourself, something Kevin will tell you is not always easy. Kevin says that one of his biggest fears is dying in his sin and not completing the race set forth for him by God.
Kevin longs for the creature comforts of home, to be warm, enjoying cheez-its and green grapes. Kevin is on his way to these comforts, he is already looking at a job and he has teamed up with a men's Prayer group to help him stay clean and off of drugs. God's Concrete Angels will be there for Kevin, with God's help, to assist where we can to assure that he not only completes the race set forth for him by God, but that he in turn helps others to complete their race set forth for them as well.
Angel Tanisha, (Tee), Angel B.B. King, and Angel J.D.
*UPDATE*
01/2020
J.D. has a job now and is working towards changing his situation and getting off the streets for good. Even though J.D. was not believed to survive his attack a few months ago while out on the streets, J.D. did survive and not only did he survive he is not looking back but forward to a better and brighter future. Please continue to keep J.D. and Tee in your hearts and prayers, as well as all of God's Concrete Angels as they all do their best to look forward and not backwards.
*UPDATE*
08/2019
Tee has been working part-time but is looking to find something full-time. She and B.B. King attend the SoupMobile Church whenever she is not working and she continues to have a strong positive outlook on eventually getting into her own home and is working hard towards that goal.
J.D. and Tee have been friends a long time and are constantly watching out for each other on the streets. Just recently a man was trying to bother with Tee and J.D. preceded to help her and in the process J.D. was thrown up against a brick wall by the man. The man got away but not before he left a devastating injury to J.D.'s skull. Shortly after the attack J.D. begin to have seizures and was rushed to the hospital where the doctors found that he had bleeding and swelling on the brain from the attack.
J.D. was rushed into surgery to relive the bleeding and swelling on the brain. The doctors outlook for J.D. was grim at best but we serve an AWESOME GOD and through many prayers J.D. not only survived the surgery, but in less then two weeks of the initial attack J.D. continues to make a full recovery, leaving the doctors astounded. The picture above was taken of J.D. and Tee two days after J.D. was released from the hospital. J.D. is ready to get back to work and continue focusing on getting him and Tee off of the streets for good. Please as always keep all of God's Concrete Angels in your prayers as they do their best to avoid these kind of dangers that they can face at any given moment out on the streets.
Tee is 42 years of age and she has been on the streets off and on since she was in her teens. Tee grew up in an abusive home and in order to escape the troubles of her youth Tee ran away from home. Most people in this type of situation would have just given up and quit, but not Tee, she was determined. Tee got her G.E.D. at the age of 19 and then from there she attended college, completing all of her prerequisites, receiving grades of A's and B's.
Just recently Tee, who is also trained as a Home Health Care Provider, had a job as a caregiver for an elderly couple, a job that also allowed her to stay in the home as their full-time caregiver. Tee had this job for 5 years, then the landlord of the home decided to sell the property and the couple that Tee was taking care of moved to Houston. Tee wasn't able to go and she ended up back on the streets.
Tee said the streets are far from safe and it is not a choice she would choose for anyone. She longs to be off the streets for good and for stability once again, and she holds out hope that it will come sooner then later. Tee says that people become homeless for many different reasons, some of those reasons are because of bad breaks or job loss, (like what happened to her). Tee said that being homeless is depressing, time consuming, and unfair. She said that one of the best things that happened to her this week is that God woke her up.
Tee (like most of God's Concrete Angels), said that most people, who are not homeless, view the homeless as worthless, losers, pieces of crap, and that they have just given up and are not truly trying to better their situation, something that Tee said is not the case of most of the homeless. Tee said that the dangers and just the lack of your basic necessities, of being homeless, is very hard. Things like sleeping on the concrete, no electricity, no privacy, no running water, no bed, and people stealing your stuff, are just a small number of things that not only make it dangerous, but also unlivable.
As Tee will tell you there is the constant fears of being homeless, some emotional, others physical. For Tee their is the fear of quitting and giving up, having no hope, letting depression get the best of her, as well as the fear of being out on the streets 5 or 10 years from now. Tee longs for the security, warmth, and safety, of a home. As well as a place that has a yard, where B.B. King can run around in freely. Tee got B.B. King while she was a caregiver for the elderly couple. B.B. King has been a wonderful companion for Tee, keeping an eye on her, but most importantly always giving her unconditional love, irregardless of her homeless situation.
Tee knows that this is not the life she wants and she has started her journey toward getting her life back in order, so that she may pursue her short term and long term goals. Her short term goal is for her and B.B. King to be off the streets and her long term goal is to finish college and then enroll in a Culinary Program to become a Chef. We know that with Tee's faith and determination and the assistance of God's Concrete Angels, (and other organizations that are able to assist in her goals), we feel we can help Tee reach these goals and eventually call Tee, "Chef Tee" and her sidekick, "Chef B.B.King."
