Brief Quotes People from all walks of life, age groups, and professions have participated in Homeless’s programs – in fact, more than 125,000 homeless people participate each year. Hear what they have to say:
“Living on the street is a complex matter and the heart of any street life is knowing how to deal with people. I have yet to see anything else that has such a positive impact on Homeless people’s ability to relate to commuters, communicate to the 'suits', and perform during rush hour...” Johnson "The Fireman" DeSoto West Side Highway, New York City, USA
“Call it The Homeless Grad Center or call it Homeless Education... this is basic training for the mind, the heart, and the soul. I now feel so much better about myself and my plight as a hungy, homeless woman on the streets of Manchester. It is the most positive transforming experience I’ve ever been a part of. If you want miracles in your life, this is the way.” Barbara Wiltherspeen Manchester, NE
“As someone who has been living on the streets since I was a four-year-old son of a washed out hippie, it’s a challenge to have a sense of balance in my life. Before the Homeless Grad Center I found myself preoccupied and not really confident about myself and what I had to contribute. Now I find I can be with people in a new way – not from a concern or worry, but from an ease and new effectiveness. My ability to receive voluntary donations - even people's perfectly good leftovers - has grown exponentially! I have been able to provide guidance for younger junkies on the street, who tend to wind up sleeping in garbage dumps far too often. Bryjamja Chkoven New York City, USA
“Sometimes I think people may not realize that clergy have a moral obligation to help us without homes or jobs. While there are many ways to get rejected, I now know the right Bible passages to quote which invariably turn the preacher man's pockets out into my hands." Johnson Charity Boston, Massachusetts
"Luckily, I have learned through the Homeless Grad Center that religion exists in my head only, and, for us who have lost all sight of God, the question of superior judgement is a powerful tool to wield on the people who have money. They have an incredible guilt because their bellies are full and mine is empty. When I quote passages from the Bible it melts their defenses completely. If I need to, I begin to condemn them for their sins, and that usually buys me the meal I need. Thank you Homeless Grad Center!" Barry the Bishop San Francisco, California
“Thirty years on the streets of New York, and I like to think I've learned a thing or two. But the Homeless Grad Center really opened my eyes to things in my life I really hadn't been addressing. I now feel that I'm able to be more honest with myself. When I'm on the subway, asking for money, if it's for a drink, I say it's for a drink. If it's for a coffee, I say it's for a coffee. I think this dedication to be more honest with my customers has resulted in 158% higher success rate than before coming to the Homesless Grad Center.” Winston Holmes New York City, USA
“I find The Homeless Grad Center has made an enormous difference in my ability to relate to my family, friends, colleagues, and people in the community. The Homeless Grad Center isn’t psychology or therapy, but it has allowed me to become more effective in my practice as well as contributing to every other area of my life – from being much more financially successful to sharing subway cubby holes with others. I am proof of what the Homeless Grad Center can accomplish." Barbara Anne Reid-Betty Porsmith Street Psychologist Highland Park, Michigan, USA