When I was young, my family moved back and forth between Youngstown, Ohio, and Atlanta several times. During one of those early trips, I had my first experience in a big city. Walking downtown with my father, I vividly remember stepping over a man sleeping in a doorway. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of what I saw, but that image stayed with me. It sparked a deep sense of compassion for the homeless that has remained with me throughout my life.
As I grew older, I found ways to connect to that compassion. In my early adulthood, I began volunteering at homeless shelters. I even got my younger brother involved a few times, eager to instill that same empathy in him. Throughout the years, whether through volunteer work or small gestures on the street, I’ve always sought to help in any way I can. Like so many Americans, there have been moments in my life when I’ve been just one paycheck away from losing everything. That proximity to homelessness gave me a greater sense of understanding and empathy for those living on the streets.
One encounter stands out to me—a moment that left me in awe of the faith and resilience I often see among the homeless. Last year, I met a man in a Publix parking lot who was clearly hungry. All I had was a few dollars, and after I gave him what I had, he thanked me deeply and asked if we could pray together. He spoke over me with such conviction, and I walked away from that encounter feeling as though God had spoken directly to me through him. That brief moment reminded me of the profound power of faith and the many ways God moves through people, even those we might not expect. What that man gave me in that moment was far more valuable than the few dollars I had given him.
Anthony’s Story: Finding God on the Streets
Recently, I accompanied a friend as we walked through the streets of Atlanta, interviewing some of the homeless. One of the most memorable conversations we had was with a man named Anthony Freeman. Anthony, born and raised in Atlanta, has been through incredible hardships—experiences that have tested him in ways few could imagine.
Anthony opened up to us about his past, sharing how, after high school, he found himself involved in drugs, a path that led him to a 17-year prison sentence. While incarcerated, Anthony lost his mother and father, and when he was finally released, he had no family left and nowhere to go. After spending time at a shelter, Anthony found himself back on the streets. But even in the midst of such loss and isolation, Anthony’s faith grew stronger. He talked about how he cried out to God for help, asking for healing and direction. A woman from his neighborhood began taking him to church, and through that experience, Anthony rededicated his life to God.
What struck me most about Anthony was his unwavering belief that, despite everything, God had a plan for him. As he spoke about his faith, his eyes lit up with hope. He shared how, even when he didn’t know where his next meal would come from, God provided. "I know everything will be alright," he told us. "God hasn’t left me yet."
You can listen to the full interview with Anthony here: Finding God in the Streets - Interview with Anthony Freeman.
Homelessness in America: A Crisis That Demands Action
Anthony’s story is just one of many, but it reflects the broader issue of homelessness in America—a crisis that demands urgent attention. Too many individuals find themselves in circumstances beyond their control, forced to navigate life without a roof over their heads. According to a 2023 report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, over half a million people experience homelessness on any given night in the U.S., with an increasing number of families and veterans affected.
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz: Pledging to Combat Homelessness
Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach, and leaders like Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have made this issue a priority. Harris has outlined plans that include increasing affordable housing, expanding mental health services, and providing pathways for individuals to escape the cycle of homelessness. Her commitment to justice and equity is reflected in these plans, aiming to tackle the root causes of homelessness—such as economic inequality, lack of mental health support, and housing shortages.
In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz has championed similar initiatives, including efforts to reduce housing instability through expanded access to affordable housing and increased state funding for support services. Both Harris and Walz recognize that solving homelessness requires more than just shelter—it demands systemic change.
These leaders offer hope for the future, but it’s up to all of us to ensure that their initiatives come to fruition. As someone who has witnessed the devastating effects of homelessness firsthand, I know that policy changes are only part of the solution. Compassion, faith, and a collective will to act are equally necessary if we want to see real, lasting change.
Faith, Hope, and the Power of Compassion
As I reflect on my own journey and the stories of people like Anthony, I’m reminded that faith is often what sustains us in our darkest moments. Whether it’s the faith of a man who gives his last few dollars to someone in need, or the faith of a homeless man who knows that God has not abandoned him, there is a powerful lesson in the resilience of the human spirit.
We all have a role to play in addressing homelessness—whether through small acts of kindness, volunteering, or advocating for policies that provide real solutions. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz have laid out plans to combat homelessness, but it’s up to us to keep pushing for action.
And as Anthony said during our interview, “Whatever you do in life, if you ain’t got Jesus in the equation, it ain’t gonna work.” For many, faith is the foundation upon which they build their lives, even when the world seems to offer little in return. It’s that same faith that drives us to continue fighting for justice and to believe that, with God’s guidance, we can make a difference.
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