One Man's Vision is Another Man's Hope

Business and civic leader, Bill Greehey watched a documentary on San Antonio’s homelessness that aired on a local television station in December of 2005. Inspired to transform and save the lives of San Antonio’s homeless, Bill Greehey worked closely with Mayor Phil Hardberger and other city leaders such as Councilwoman Patti Radle and former Mayor Ed Garza’s Council to End Homelessness.

In 2006, because of one man’s changed heart, Haven for Hope was officially established as a 501c private organization. Eighteen months of research around the U.S. and over 200 shelters later, Haven for Hope’s vision was born. The Capital Campaign and the 15 buildings that are located on 37 acres west of downtown San Antonio were completed in early 2010.

By April of 2010, the very first members moved onto the Campus. Currently the Transformational Campus provides housing and programming to over 900 men, women and children. Prospects Courtyard, an area of safe sleeping for the chronic homeless population, sleeps approximately 500 men and women per night.

Haven for Hope will begin construction on Phase II, “The Terraces at Haven,” a 150 unit supportive housing complex, during the 3rd quarter of 2011 with expected completion in 2013.

Haven for Hope is a private non-profit organization dedicated to transforming and saving the lives of homeless men, women, and children by addressing the root causes of homelessness through job training, education, and behavioral health services.

• On any given night there will be roughly 1600 individuals residing on the Haven for Hope Campus.
• 25,000 people in San Antonio experience homelessness during each year in San Antonio.
• Between 3,500 and 4,500 individuals experience homelessness each night in San
• Antonio.
• 25% of the homeless are children, half of which are under age 5.
• Family homelessness in Texas has increased 15.9% since 2008.
• 23% of the homeless are Veterans.
• 60% of the homeless experience severe substance abuse and/or mental illness.

At my last visit to the homeless shelter I was able to speak with some of the men and women there. When asked "How has Haven for Hope impacted you?" They would all say something along the lines of without Haven for Hope I probably wouldn't be where I am; I may not be alive; I wouldn't of been able to get off the streets; and some people said that Haven for Hope didn't do anything that they did it all on their own. Every life that comes through Haven for Hope has a story waiting to be told to anyone that will listen. I am glad I was allowed to open my ears to them and I pray that anyone who reads this will open their ears and eyes to things that are often unseen and when they are seen nothing is done. No matter who you are you can make a difference just by listening to someone's story and sharing it so others may be moved to make a difference. 

Turning a "Weakness" Into Strength

I have always been a very sensitive person; crying whenever my emotions are pushed and having a broken heart whenever I face devastation, whether it is my own or not. I grew up thinking this was a bad thing, that I was only a "cry baby" and needed to be different. What I now know today is that those who called me cry baby were wrong about me. My sensitivity is my greatest strength!

Yes, with age I have matured and have learned how to control my emotions for the most part, but I now know that having a sensitive heart means that I have a compassionate heart. I have a great passion for people. When they are hurting, I hurt. When their hearts are broken, mine is broken. When all seems to be lost, I cry with them, but I also have the strength to encourage them when the crying is done. I see people with the eyes of Christ. God does not enjoy seeing his people hurting, broken, and lost. IT BREAKS HIS HEART!!! I pray that you run to Him when you are in need because He is a God of comfort and peace.

I know with all of my heart that my sensitivity, matured is compassion. Compassion is my spiritual gift and I am now learning, studying, and practicing how to use it and strengthen it, so it will be, and only be, used for God's Glory. I am excited to see how God uses my compassion to further his kingdom. Bring on the tears and brokenness!

San Antonio Happenings

Y'all, soda, short trees, weird grass, no rain, brick/stone houses, sweet tea, and Mexican and BBQ galore. This is Texas. Above are just some things I have noticed about this place I have been living for 17 days and I love it! It has definitely been an adventure and an experience so far. The most unexpected thing that has happened is getting to go to Joplin, MO on a short missions trip this coming Monday through Saturday.

My internship consists of (so far) planning and organizing events, folding and stuffing letters, sermon notes, blogging, youth group, homeless shelter, and Sunday activities. Some of these experiences have been easy, some have been hard; some of them have been boring and some exciting and/or moving; some have been good and others not the best; and finally some I am really excited to be a part of and others not so much. I have seen beauty in the scenery and people and I have seen pain and heartbreak in the lost and homeless. These past 17 days have stretched me. I have learned new things, tried new things, and have experienced new things. I cannot wait to see what opportunities to grow are in store for me next! I am ready for a changed life and to change lives!

Growing in the Spirit

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” –Acts 2:38-39

Growing up in the church I always heard God referred to as the Trinity, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, but I never really understood the role of the Holy Spirit. I knew that he was God that he lived in my heart when I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, but I did not know what that meant or what I was supposed to do with him. Though the Spirit lived in me, he seemed to be the most distant and mysterious role of God, but Jesus even said in Scripture that it is better to have the Spirit here with us then to have the physical presence of Him (Jesus). “But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). This is how I have grown spiritually over the past year through the taking of a book study in Acts, learning about the role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is my counselor and guide, my intercessor and my strength. He fills me, empowers me, compels me, works through me, leads me, and encourages me. I can do anything with the power of the Spirit in me. I can be bold though I am naturally timid. I can be heard even though I am naturally quiet. I can change the world in big ways even though I am small. The power that the Holy Spirit gives me has changed my life. He is no longer a mystery to me.

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:26-27).

While here in San Antonio I have been able to see the Holy Spirit’s power work through me, which ultimately I have seen effect on others. I have spent a lot more time in prayer this summer asking for more boldness, guidance when making decisions, and encouragement when things get hard. He has been my constant friend these past few weeks and I am excited to see how else and where else I will be used by the Holy Spirit this summer and throughout the rest of my life. I have become more open to being used. Knowing this power has changed my outlook on life.