George and the Sandwich
It was a beautiful afternoon on Father’s Day. The youth from the Society of Saint Andrew’s Harvest of Hope descended on Franklin Park, just four blocks from the White House. As they got out their bags of sandwiches and drinks, about 50 homeless men quietly lined up for something to eat. When I asked how many of them […]
Burdened
That was a busy day! I bought and delivered air mattresses to a homeless couple and another man who were living in tents. Then I gave Walmart gift cards to a homeless man recovering from surgery and another homeless man in his 70s. Finally, I gave a grocery store gift card to an elderly couple […]
It’s Personal
November 2025 marks 38 years since I took a group of youth into Washington DC for our first “TOP Trip”. I know we have impacted some (I hope many) lives through our ministries through The Street, Impact the Valley, and senior ministry throughout the years. We have opened the eyes of our volunteers to another […]
It’s All I Remember
Even when you devote your life to serving the poor, your priorities sometimes get skewed. The true story that follows is in part a confession, but it’s also a lesson I learned. Never sacrifice the important things on the altar of the urgent. My cell phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number and debated whether […]
The Guy on the Grate
We were serving homeless people through TOP’s Street Ministry in a little plaza at 21st St and Virginia Avenue in DC. It was directly across the street from the State Department. The plaza was surrounded by a low wall with some bushes on the Virginia Avenue side. The bushes made the little plaza a desirable […]
Look at My Collection
Gerald had a crack cocaine habit. It ruined his life and dumped him on the streets with only the clothes on his back. For over two years he struggled valiantly against his addiction until he finally beat it. He said the key to overcoming a crack addiction is to hate what it does to your […]
3 Things Homeless People Need to Break Free
Preview in new tab It’s not easy to “beat the street.” The road to a better life is full of obstacles and setbacks. I know dozens of people who have succeeded in moving out of the homeless life. They faced the same setbacks as others, but they never gave up. Lots of people throw up […]
Miranda
When I initially approached Miranda, the 34-year old sat alone on a bench. She greeted me with a cold stare and refused to introduce herself. Headphones intentionally shut her away from any interactions with the strangers surrounding her in Monroe Park. After an unsuccessful attempt to start conversation, I sat quietly next to her for […]
