PLEASE MEET CHIAKA:
Ten years ago I met this man. His name is Chiaka. He's a prolific genius artist. He forever changed my life.
While his artful way impacted me greatly, what mattered most was the friendship he openly invited me into. He shared his journey of homelessness, both his struggles and successes. He trusted me to see him, to know him, exactly as he is. Nothing more, nothing less.
What I discovered over these last ten years, beginning and running this page, is that Chiaka's invitation to come closer, is not unique. Every one of us, living inside or out, at some level, wants to be seen as we are. Nothing more, nothing less.
This is what we owe each other. To break down the barriers of separation and 'Just Say Hello'. To come closer and see for ourselves the person standing in front of us. To not judge. To not control. To just be and feel and love.
Facing Homelessness is asking of all of us to journey creating relationships as a means for building healthy community. And what is beautiful about that, is that healthy community does not accept homelessness.
With overflowing emotions, I want to share that on July 1st I am stepping down at Facing Homelessness. It would be impossible to convey how important these last ten years have been for me, getting to come closer with all of you.
The decision to leave is similar to the reason for why I began. And that is, because my heart tells me it is time.
Facing Homelessness is in this beautiful place of having transformed itself into a vibrant advocate for those in need. It is supported by many thousands of people all putting LOVE first as the foundation for ending homelessness. That is no small thing, in fact, it is a bigBIG THING!!
Its programs of 'Just Say Hello', 'Window of Kindness', 'Community CleanUPs', and the 'BLOCK Project' are thriving with a dedicated staff, board, and community to go with!
I look forward to all the beautiful future conversations I get to have, now as a volunteer!!! A heartfelt THANK YOU to every single person that opened their heart on this collective journey.
At Facing Homelessness we often say, 'Our personal journey defines the direction of this org, not the other way around.' This includes all of you. We are all in this together!
Feeling so much LOVE.
Seattle neighborhoods | Rex