Armando
Hi, My name is
Armando.
Armando refuses to let his age be an excuse to avoid working hard. At 79 years old, he has the strong and peaceful presence of a man who chooses to focus on the things that God has given him.
In 1979, he and his family decided to leave their home in Cuba to find a better life in the United States. Armando left his job as a bus driver to provide more opportunities for his wife and seven children. While trying to find work, Armando heard that Philadelphia was a place with a diverse job market. Once in Philadelphia, Armando found a job quickly. He worked for a cable company, Coca-Cola and even built refrigerators at one point. He approached each job with honest determination and an unwavering work ethic.
Armando’s life completely changed in the summer of 2019 when his wife passed away. Sadly, this tragedy created a great deal of strain between Armando and his children. Armando became homeless when he was 77. He had nowhere to go.
Armando came to Philly House when someone told him that it was a place where he could stay for a while. The staff welcomed him warmly in June 2019. Motivated by his desire to work, he began waking up early each morning to volunteer to pick up the litter on 13th and Pearl Streets around Philly House. Soon after, he started serving in the kitchen.
“I know that the donors take care of us. They provide for anything I need. I want people to know I believe in God, and I have a big heart.”
Armando has grown in his faith while living at Philly House. Eddie, a former resident, became friends with Armando and he began sharing his faith with Armando. “When I first got to Philly House, Eddie kept inviting me to church. I kept telling him, no, but he kept inviting me. Eventually, I went to church with him, and I found God there. I have a strong relationship with God now.”
God is sustaining Armando and providing him with contentment. He wants to have an apartment. His age limits his ability to find work. His limited income combined with the lack of affordable housing makes transitioning into his own home dubious. This is the reality for many seniors experiencing homelessness.
As a senior, having a safe, stable place to call home has been essential for Armando during the COVID-19 crisis. He was been able to “stay at home” with his Philly House Family for three years as they ensured that Armando remained in good health throughout the pandemic. “I know that the donors take care of us. They provide for anything I need,” Armando continues with quiet tears, “I want people to know I believe in God, and I have a big heart.”
Armando has moved into permanent supportive housing for seniors and makes it back to Philly House each day to give back because the Philly House community is his family. The next time that you come to Philly House to volunteer, you can find Armando either sweeping up our curb front and sidewalks, washing dishes in our kitchen, or cleaning our dining room tables. Come soon to meet him!
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Refuge and Hope
Help us provide hope to the homeless, hungry and hurting of Philadelphia.
