19 Aug Calvin’s Story
Calvin’s , journey to Catholic Charities began after more than a decade of homelessness.
He first heard about our organization while staying at an overnight emergency shelter. Another person who was also unhoused but familiar with our work encouraged him to reach out to us.
“I was talking to someone at an overnight shelter. They spoke very highly of you guys.”
Calvin shared that he slept in abandoned houses, shelters, and alleyways, experiencing the isolation and uncertainty before seeking support from us.
Calvin also struggled with addiction following the sudden death of a loved one. The grief was difficult to overcome, and he admitted that he was begging to lose hope and trust in others during that time.
“You feel invisible. If I could talk to someone who has never been homeless before, I would say that before I am anything, I am a human being.”
At Catholic Charities, his case manager took the time to see him as an individual—not simply another person on a caseload. He felt heard, respected, and supported as he worked patiently toward his goals.
That relationship reflects our values about what it means to follow the teachings of Christ and recognizing that every person has challenges, as they strive toward stability.
“Everyone has their own road. It’s not an overnight process.”
With the support of Catholic Charities, Calvin remained committed to that process with hope his life would transform. In just under a year, he moved from the streets into permanent housing.
When Calvin received the keys to his new home, he was also welcomed with a care package from Catholic Charities that included a toiletry kit, and a box of food.
He loves his new home and shares that he would like his first purchase for the apartment to be something unexpected: “a big mirror.”
He shared that for years he often struggled with how he saw himself due to his lack of sobriety. Now Calvin says the mirror represents a new beginning.
“I would love to get a large mirror for my place to see how I look now.”
For the first time in a long time, Calvin is no longer afraid to look into a mirror and face himself. Calvin happily shared that the goals he’s accomplished with his case manager have helped his family see him in a new light and begin to rebuild trust.
Permanent housing provided by Catholic Charities has given Calvin the stability to think about what comes next. He is excited to launch his career, mend relationships with his family, and continue rebuilding his life. His next goal is to earn his cosmetology license and become a barber/cosmetologist.
Catholic Charities seeks to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ which often requires compassion and care when someone when someone is struggling or in their darkest hour of need.
Calvin’s story is a powerful reminder that self-sufficiency is not simply about having a place to live. It is about having the opportunity to rebuild, regain confidence, restore relationships, pursue dreams, and have hope for the future.
“I’m still in disbelief! I can accomplish anything now! This is only the beginning, and I’m not going back.”
*Identities have been changed for privacy. This is a true story that represents a client of Catholic Charities of West TN.
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