Kevin* lives in a tent in the woods—but he may not fit your idea of what homelessness looks like. His hair is neatly trimmed. He’s well dressed, articulate, and socially adept. Reflecting on how quickly his life unraveled, Kevin often recalls a warning from Warren Buffett: “If your salary is your only source of income, you’re one step away from poverty.”
The seeds of Kevin’s homelessness were planted several years ago after his divorce, when he gave up his house. Later, his car was stolen, forcing him to commute by train. A career auto technician, Kevin believed he had a steady footing with a job in a garage. But last December, that sense of stability vanished when he was laid off. Already living paycheck to paycheck, Kevin sold his mechanic’s tools—his livelihood—just to keep a roof over his head a little longer. He picked up a short-term job at McDonald’s and stayed in a motel until his savings ran out.
When there was nowhere else to go, Kevin found a secluded spot in the woods of Frederick.
He strung a line between two trees and draped a blanket over it for shelter, teaching himself how to survive outdoors during a Maryland winter.
That’s when the Frederick community began to step in. A local pastor gave Kevin a tent. A staff member at the department of Housing and Human Services pointed him toward vital resources, including Frederick Rescue Mission. When Kevin arrived at the Mission, he was overwhelmed with gratitude for the hot meals, warm clothing, and essential supplies that helped him survive the cold.
He is especially thankful for Rescued Treasures Coordinator Brenda Bell. “Brenda didn’t just give me warm clothes,” Kevin says. “She connected me to other great resources. So much has been given to me at the Mission—I want to volunteer and give back.”
Life on the streets has also revealed the quiet humanity that exists among people experiencing homelessness. Kevin recalls meeting a 71-year-old man who had just been discharged from the hospital and was struggling to breathe. “The wind was fierce,” Kevin says, “and I knew the decent thing to do was to invite him into my tent. He still stays with me.”
While people without housing often share what little they have, Kevin explains that trust comes slowly. Stories of theft, assault, and abuse are common. “You have to pick your friends and places wisely.”
Winter is especially unforgiving. Kevin dares not light a fire for warmth, fearing it would draw attention to his campsite. He says he doesn’t know how he would survive without the Mission’s help.
Your generosity is helping keep Kevin warm this winter. With his professional skills and determination, he has every reason to believe he’ll regain stability and support himself again. But many of our neighbors experiencing homelessness in Frederick do not have the same advantages and remain trapped in chronic homelessness. The causes of homelessness are complex, so helping individuals transition into safe housing can be daunting. In most cases, being kind makes a significant impact.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Proverbs 19:17
*Not his real name
