Haywood Street Respite has made a beautiful identity for itself. A place in the community to come as you are to rest. Rest comes in many different forms. I believe that our friends leave Respite feeling the benefits of rest for their body, mind, and soul.
Jesus said in Matthew 25, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Haywood Street lives this verse out to its very core. It is such a blessing to be part of a community that is striving to end a stigma and intentionally build relationships with people that are deemed unworthy by society. Providing for this need is the mission that Christ called us to. Treating our friends and community with respect and love has made Haywood Street a place of retreat.
There is a strong presence of peace and belonging here. This is manifested through our friends, companions, community, and staff. I have seen people who are cold come by and ask for a coat, and three friends jump up to offer their own. I have seen friends leave Respite and get a job or go back to school. I have heard stories from the past, and hope for the future. I have seen friends come back and give to our community. What a beautiful thing!
Haywood Street has challenged me, and made me grow as a person of God. I have found myself here. I have found community that I didn’t know I was longing for. I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue to learn alongside this community.
For more faces & stories from our Congregation, click here. |