Our Work is "For the One" - Roger

The friendships God leads us into with our neighbors experiencing homelessness never look the same. Each one he leads us to, carries a unique story, and God always has something new to teach us through them. We’ve known of Roger* for several years, but only recently have we begun to see how God has been weaving his life and purpose together with the work of The Human Impact.

We always knew Roger had a big heart—and that he was a natural protector. Some of our earliest interactions with him were during our cold-weather response efforts. Roger was never interested in going with us to a shelter or a motel to get warm. He had a reason: he didn’t want to leave until he knew everyone else’s belongings were safe. He stayed behind to make sure no one’s things were stolen or disturbed, and if pets had to be left behind, he fed them. He would build a fire at night and stand watch over the encampment. In his mind, he wasn’t just surviving—he was safeguarding his community.

Over time we’d see Roger here and there, but one staff member, Ricky, connected with him more deeply. On Ricky’s first day out on the streets, the two sat and talked for a long time and formed a quiet but meaningful bond. Ricky learned that Roger had been homeless for years, and that caring for others had always been central to who he was. Roger is the kind of person who puts others first, who values trust and integrity, and who wants to work for what he receives.

So when The Human Impact was gifted land last year for a future project, Ricky knew the one to ask to help watch over it once the land was cleared and fenced. Not only did we want to employ someone local who knew the area well—Roger was perfectly suited for a job built around responsibility, steadiness, and protection. Without even realizing it, God had been putting Roger in our path for years, preparing the way for this moment. Now we were finally able to offer him paid work—work he took seriously and performed faithfully.

But the best part hasn’t just been Roger watching over the land, it has been his desire to become more connected to our community. He recently told Ricky that he’s been talking to God more in the past four months than ever before. And he sensed God telling him to move from talking to doing—to step into kingdom work. So Roger asked Ricky how he could get more involved.

Roger has been joining us for weekly prayer, Tuesday Meet & Greet, and he came to our last Come to the Table meal. He’s already planning to come to our December Worship Night. Bit by bit, he’s becoming woven into the life of our community—and we’re grateful.

One morning during prayer time, Roger shared what drives him:“I’m a survivor…me and the Lord. I help myself—with His help. But I love people. I love to see people happy, and I love to see people smile. I’m always smiling because I’m always happy—with or without.”

We’re thankful that Roger is the one God chose to cross our path with—and that we get the privilege of walking alongside him.

*story shared with permission and name changed for privacy