Ministry of Presence
St. Martin's Programs are committed to a "Ministry of Presence." We
believe that each person who comes through our doors must be treated
with dignity and acceptance. We must always meet people where they are
-- not where we wish they were. We believe that building close
relationships with the people we serve is the ground for change and
wholeness. We believe that creating community and home for people is
the best way for all of us to flourish and grow. We believe that we are
called into a life that protects the dignity of each person and
provides for the basic needs of all.
Rick
Rick is a former St. Martin’s guest who was able to find housing with the help of one of our case managers. He remembers the first time in his life when he was homeless after a family crisis. He ended up downtown trying to find a shelter. He felt completely overwhelmed and scared. Rick tells part of his story below.
He recalls, “I learned about a place that was only for guys over 50; I went to the Lazarus Center that day. There I heard about St. Martin’s. I heard people talking about the ministry of presence. I didn’t know what that was at the time, but I felt it. From the first night I stayed there I was treated like a person, like a man, not just another guy from the street. The staff and volunteers looked me in the eye when they talked to me and I felt like they cared. I felt safe.
As the days went on it seemed like the cloud started to lift. I volunteered at the Shelter. I remembered what it felt like to be useful— to have a purpose— to have people depend on me, and it felt good. I started talking to Charles, the case manager. We worked together and he got me into an apartment. Later, I went back to St. Martin’s to get a job. They hired me on as custodian, and since have promoted me to the Lead Custodian.
It feels good to have keys again—to come and go as I please—to cook my own food. To pay bills. And I have a beautiful girlfriend now, too…life is good…and I thank St. Martin’s for that. I really believe they kept me alive and helped me get my life back. I love St. Martin’s and I plan on working there forever…it’s my way of giving back and being there for guys just like the staff was there for me.”
