I have a dog named Bandit who will turn 16 years old in April. Bandit is deaf and blind and spends most of his day sleeping. Despite these limitations, he is still full of love and moves around the house with some guidance when needed. While we acknowledge his challenges, we don’t let them define him.
When you see someone standing on a street corner, holding up a sign asking for help, what do you notice first? Maybe it’s their unwashed hair or worn clothing. Perhaps it’s a wheelchair or the few belongings they have in a bag. But do you take a moment to look beyond these outward appearances? Have you ever contemplated the question, who is the person behind these circumstances and what is their story?
Every person has a story that brought them to where they are today. For many of us, that story includes blessings that allow us to maintain a roof over our heads. For others, unforeseen hardships have left them without the same security. A car accident might have cost them their job and home. Mental health struggles may have created barriers to stable employment. Some have survived abusive relationships, while others were abandoned by their families once they turned eighteen. When I participated in the Denton County Point In Time (PIT) Count in January, I heard some of these stories firsthand. Each one was a powerful reminder not to judge someone based solely on their appearance or current situation.
At Community Forever Village, we believe we are called by God to live in compassionate, nonjudgmental relationships with one another. We are on a mission to provide permanent housing, foster community, and nurture a sense of belonging and dignity for our chronically homeless neighbors.
We invite you to join us in creating a world where everyone is seen for their humanity, not just their hardships. Together, we can make a difference.
