As we reach this year’s Giving Tuesday, we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve embarked on together over the past year. It has been a year of transformation, hope, and success for our homeless friends on the San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula.
In this letter, we are thrilled to share with you the inspiring success stories of individuals who have overcome challenges, found stable housing and employment, and reclaimed their lives. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our dedicated volunteers, compassionate cooks, reliable vehicle drivers, and the generosity of our partner organizations who provide us with high-quality food to distribute. And let’s not forget our wonderful community of supporters who sustain us through their charitable donations. Yet, as we celebrate these victories, we are reminded that our mission’s sustainability relies on your support. Today, we come to you with an urgent call to action. Our continuing mission relies on the financial support of good people like you and we ask that this Giving Tuesday your contributions include Street Life Ministries.
Interviews
Anthony: A Journey from Addiction to Volunteerism
This month, we had the privilege of interviewing Anthony, who has transformed his life from addiction to becoming a valuable and well-liked volunteer with Street Life Ministries.
What was Thanksgiving like for you before achieving stability?
“Honestly, holidays like Thanksgiving were a blur in my life. I often didn’t even realize they were approaching until the day of. The lifestyle I was caught up in led me to ignore important dates, leaving me disconnected from family gatherings. My family lived in Philadelphia, and I was in Orange County. I typically celebrated Thanksgiving with my girlfriend at the time. Our celebrations usually involved staying indoors and being unproductive. Sometimes, I would only hear about a holiday from someone else. Even if I were geographically closer to my family, I wouldn’t want them to have to deal with me in my state of addiction. I felt unproductive and I didn’t want my family to have to deal with that.”
How has Thanksgiving transformed for you now?
“Now, Thanksgiving has taken on a completely different meaning in my life. I spend the holiday with my ex-girlfriend’s family, and our bond is strong. I currently live with her father, Danny, and together we work for Street Life Ministries. I also celebrate holidays with Jenn from LiveMoves. Although my ex-girlfriend is still struggling, I make an effort to encourage her to make positive choices. I want her to know that when she’s ready for help, we are here to support her. The journey to recovery begins when you’re tired of living that life. I’m now happy and grateful to be fully present and aware of holidays. During my struggle with addiction, I would lose track of time and become consumed by the pursuit of drugs. There’s good news about my family as well; they are visiting me in December for the first time in five years. They are proud of my progress. I eagerly look forward to what the future holds.”
We asked Rob, who attends our services five nights a week, what Street Life Ministries means to him.
“Street Life Ministries, what it means to me is everybody associated with it, from David Shearin all the way down to the preachers, everybody that comes in, what’s so fantastic, they bring the word, they bring food, they bring the Holy Spirit through all of these people so much. And you cannot BUT be absorbed by it, wanting to or not. It just changes people’s lives. And the dark force is always coming to try to stop them from doing this, but it is so strong, the Holy Spirit is so strong in Street Life Ministries that they in most cases succeed 100%.
Amen.”
We extend our deepest gratitude to every one of you who has played a part in making this year a success. Your commitment to serving with compassion, respect, innovation, and grace has created a ripple effect of positive change in our community. The stories of individuals finding stability, hope, and purpose are testaments to the transformative power of God’s love and support. Together, we are not just providing meals; we are restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and creating a community where everyone is valued.
However, we need your help to ensure that these success stories continue to unfold. We humbly ask you to consider making a financial contribution to Street Life Ministries. Your generosity will enable us to keep providing meals, restoring dignity, rebuilding lives, and fostering a community where everyone is valued. Together, we can make an enduring difference. Please join us in continuing this vital mission.
As we continue this journey, let’s carry the spirit of giving beyond this Tuesday and into the future, knowing that, together, we are making a lasting impact and sharing the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you for being an integral part of Street Life Ministries.
With gratitude,
The Street Life Ministries Team
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Proverbs 22:9, ESV
