Success Stories

Despite the stereotypes, few are homeless by choice; only 7% of Americans living on the streets are chronically homeless. The fact is the majority of those without homes have experienced a catastrophic life event, such as a layoff or the end of a relationship, and now simply have nowhere else to go.

Homelessness often happens unexpectedly and without fault. Significant life events, such as sudden unemployment, family disputes, or losing loved ones, can lead to someone not being able to pay their bills and being forced out on the streets.

Ali is an unassuming maintenance man at GRACE Marketplace. Five days a week, he goes around the homeless facility fixing leaky faucets, assembling new furniture, painting outdoor benches, and doing a variety of much-needed odd jobs.

Although the fight to end homelessness is happening on many fronts, perhaps the hardest battle to win is the one against homeless stereotypes. While the average person seems to believe everyone without a home is simply looking for a free ride — the truth is rarely so simple.

The line between homelessness and safe, secure housing is often much thinner than people think. In some cases, all it takes is a single event to change your life for the worse. Fortunately, sometimes all it takes is a single positive event to change it all for the best.

When the average person thinks about the homeless population, doubtless the first thought is, "That could never happen to me or my family." The sad truth, however, is that it often only takes one unfortunate event for someone to wind up without a safe place to live.

Of the many services offered by GRACE Marketplace, one of the most unique is the Culinary Training Program. During a 10-week course, participants are able to learn important culinary skills while helping provide meals to the hundreds of other GRACE guests.

Although it's not easy to think about, homelessness can happen to anyone, anywhere. In many cases, all it takes is a few missed paychecks due to a layoff to make the difference between having a secure home, and being on the street.

Despite the stereotypes of homelessness, few are homeless by choice. Instead, the U.S. homeless population is primarily made up of those who have experienced a significant life event and now have nowhere else to go.

While only 7% of the homeless population in the U.S. is actually chronically homeless, that still equates to thousands in need of help to end the cycle.