Christmas Shopping for the Homeless

Shopping can be a very difficult thing. I have found that the gifts homeless people want are both simple and complicated items. The simple things they crave are safe shelter, hot meals and clean clothing. The difficult thing they so desperately need is to walk away from the streets. At Charlotte Rescue Mission, both gifts are given to our clients.

One client, who recently finished our Rebound men’s program was so grateful for the opportunity Charlotte Rescue Mission gave him. For 90 days, he addressed the things that for too long, had made the streets his home. In addition, he spent years in jail. He came to me on his last day in the program, showing me his completion certificate. His smile went all the way around his face. I have never seen anyone so happy. Then, he looked at me and said, “This is just the beginning”. He was ready for the next chapter in his life.

Each year, there are hundreds of stories of lives like his that are changed.