Every Monday St. Vincent de Paul will highlight some of the best stories that truly explain the meaning of Feed. Clothe. House. Heal. Below is Tim’s story of rediscovering happiness and success through our Ministry to the Homeless program.
Tim Boehler had high hopes after moving to Phoenix from Idaho. He had just served two years in jail for carrying a non-working gun to school that he had forgotten that it was in his backpack. The mistake cost him a chance to finish his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
After being released, he was told that with his work experience in construction and fast food, there would be more job opportunities in Arizona, but that didn’t pan out. Tim eventually ended up on the street living at a homeless shelter. He continued living on the streets for six years. While homeless, Tim came to St. Vincent de Paul’s main campus for showers, clothing and meals. He got to know the staff and volunteers there.
“People were always really nice to me,” Tim said. “They really wanted to help.”
Seeing potential in Tim, Programs Coordinator Janie Perdue, asked him to participate in the Opportunities Program. “I noticed he was getting thin and often came in with black eyes,” Janie said. Janie and other program staff helped Tim recover important paperwork that he lost while living on the streets–his Social Security card, birth certificate, and a state ID card. Tim was then paired with an opportunity coach to help him with his job search. “At first it was hard to even stay awake while working on the computer,” he said. “I never slept well on the streets because I had to make sure people weren’t going to take my things.”
Tim was offered a volunteer position in the kitchen and after months of diligent work, he was hired on staff in February. A coworker offered him a room to stay until he could start affording rent. “My favorite thing now is to wake up early in the morning to come in to work,” Tim said with a smile. The kitchen staff starts as early as 4 a.m. to prepare 3,500 meals daily.
“Every time I see Tim working in the kitchen, I feel good,” Janie said. “He seems so happy and looks so healthy now. He gives me hope that we can be successful in helping others who have been homeless for a long time.”
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Stories like this don’t happen without the support of people like you. You really do have the power to Feed. Clothe. House. Heal. our neighbors in need. Contribute to the cause by donating, volunteering, or learning more.
