Every guest that walks through our doors is more than just a number. They are a person, a neighbor, a relationship, a lifetime of experiences that led them to us. Each season we meet the most incredible people, from all walks of life, who affect each of our staff members and volunteers so deeply that we carry them with us beyond the end of the season.

This season we were honored to be a part of a life-changing process for one of our guests who has been with us for several seasons. He has always been kind, helpful to other guests, and the first to offer a helping hand when needed. So this season when this gentleman was ready for a helpful hand in return, we couldn't have been more hopeful that this was the year that would make a difference in his life. 

A Senior who had been chronically homeless for more than 10 years, he had been living outdoors without health insurance, any income, or a permanent spot to rest his head. Now, thanks to the hard work of our Case Manager Sarah from Open Hearth, the relationships built by our staff and volunteers, and Chester County resources, our guest is now housed in his own apartment, receiving medical benefits, receiving Social Security income, and beginning a new life in our community. 

Many happy tears have been shed for this man who has become more than just someone we serve, but a member of our community - a friend. Sometimes the hardest part of this work is the waiting - knowing that sometimes you just have to open the door, offer the helping hand, and hope that one day it will make a difference. This season it finally did and we could not be happier!