LIVES CHANGED
Since we started serving in 2010, our focus on meeting needs and providing hope through consistency, relationship building, and the message of Jesus Christ has led to lives being changed. Here are the stories of a few of those lives.
LIVES CHANGED
Keith
As hard times fell upon Keith, he got behind on his carpentry union dues and was unable to raise the funds to get reinstated. Because of the relationship we built with Keith over the years, he felt comfortable enough to reach out for help – something he struggled with in that past. He made it clear that he wasn’t looking for a handout, but, rather, a second chance. Through a series of God-driven events, Keith was able to get back in the union and has started working in the field he loves. His confidence has taken a major boost and he is looking forward to providing the best life for him and his wife.
Skip
As someone we served meals to on a weekly basis, Skip wanted to show his appreciation. So he, along with his brother, would help out in the dish room after every meal. After months of service, Skip told us that he applied at a local business and asked if we would write him a letter of recommendation. He got the job! Since then, he has held a steady job and continues to serve with us on his days off.
Lionel
Lionel would come in every week to grab a warm meal, but we could tell there was something lacking. As our relationship grew, Lionel opened up to us and asked for help. He told us that as he went on interviews, he felt that, based on this appearance, the employers had already made up their minds before he even said a word. We worked with Lionel to get him some clothes for interviews. He is much more confident now on interviews and is looking to get a job.
Mike
Mike was one of the first people we connected with when we were serving on the streets. He has always been quiet and soft-spoken, and it took months of our consistent presence and on-going interactions with Mike for him to begin to realize that our friendship and love were genuine. Once he opened up, we learned how hard life has been to him. It felt like he could finally trust in someone and not have to worry about getting hurt. Since then, Mike has become one of our most active volunteers. He serves every week (one of the last ones to leave), helps out with the food deliveries, and donates his time to the walk-in ministry with First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh.
Matt
From 2015 until August of 2017 I was homeless and living under the 31st street bridge in a tent. With the help of Outreached Arms, and the organizations that they have access to, my life has changed for the better. I am now living in section 8 housing. I have access to wonderful food and clothing, great friends, and help from services such as healthcare and housing options. I have learned the ins and outs of the available systems and my outlook on a lot of things have changed for the better.