Steve
Hi, my name is
Steve.
The men in Philly House’s programs are very diverse, coming from all different walks of life and backgrounds but Steve was encouraged to discover that the men all have one thing in common – they came to find a safe refuge and a better future.
As a child, Steve was a brilliant student. He always excelled in his school work and even tested out a grade. However, his education came to a swift halt when, at the age of 17, he had to drop out in order to help his grandmother. Despite Steve’s dream of going to college, he willingly took responsibility for his family at his own expense.
Steve’s story proves that God always had a plan for his life. Forty-two years ago, Steve worked at a sign store across the street from Philly House. As he looked out the window, he saw countless homeless men coming in and out of Philly House. He knew that Philly House was doing a good thing for these men, but he never envisioned himself as one of them.
Unlike many members of the homeless population, Steve never struggled with drugs or alcohol, nor did he get in trouble with the law. Unfortunately, a conflict with his uncle changed his life and Steve lost everything. Steve was homeless and alone, longing for a place of familiarity. A memory sparked of the homeless men coming and going from Philly House.
“I am learning more about who God is at Philly House. That was what I felt was missing in my life.”
These words gave Steve hope. He then saw clearly that Philly House was where he needed to go. Steve joined the long-term program in 2017. Steve thrived in the Learning Center as he took classes from finance to Christianity. Steve explained that his curiosity propelled him forward, “I am learning more about who God is at Philly House. That was what I felt was missing in my life.”
Before Philly House, Steve did not have a personal relationship with Christ. In the past, Steve had shied away from Christianity because of negative experiences with the church. However, Steve always had a spirit of thankfulness. Steve’s heart opened despite his reservations about the church. His curious heart pushed him forward to learn more about Christianity on his own time by reading the Bible and, eventually, experiencing a personal relationship with the Lord.
Steve attributes his spiritual transformation to the love that was shown to him at Philly House. Steve is extremely grateful to everyone that supports this ministry. “This place has a special place in my heart. They have given me a lot.”
Steve continues to pursue his relationship with God. When Steve was working at the front desk people would regularly see him reading the Bible. The chaplains quickly began to trust him, and Steve became even more involved in the Philly House community.
“Philly House has been a stepping stone for me to reset my life, and I will put my full effort to give back to Philly House.” Steve further emphasizes, “I believe in the best of everyone, and all I can do is give the best advice to men like me.”
Providing Unconditional
Refuge and Hope
Help us provide hope to the homeless, hungry and hurting of Philadelphia.
