Home Is Just the Beginning

I answer calls from unknown numbers. It is a strange, idiosyncratic habit of mine that my wife doesn't understand. It stems from years of sharing my number with people I interact with and the desire to be readily available to them.  

Last week, I answered such a call. An unknown 502 number flashed across my screen, and I stepped outside to take the call. I immediately knew what kind of call it was. Someone had passed my number along to someone who was going through the worst weeks or months of their life.  

On the other end was a father with a quiet, tired voice. He and his 3-year-old had been homeless for months—sleeping in cars, staying with friends, doing everything he could to provide for his child. He was seeking options, guidance, and a way forward.

We talked briefly. I shared what I could. But long after we hung up, his story stayed with me because I’m also the parent of a 3-year-old.

I am also raising a 3-year-old, and the idea of doing what this father had to do for his child was sobering. What would my son's life be like if he were confined to the back seat of a car, the living room floor of a friend's house, or trying to get into a shelter? Where would my son play? How would I keep him safe? What would I say when he asked what “home” meant?

These are the questions no parent should ever have to answer.

At the Coalition for the Homeless, we work every day to build a community where everyone has a safe and stable place to call home. From immediate needs to long-term solutions, we’re building a future where no one in our city has to live without a roof over their head.

This work is only possible because of people like you. Be it through an investment in time or funding, we can all work together to build the community we need. I ask you to invest in this mission today during Give for Good.