Short-Form Stories
The following is a series of short-form client stories written for social media, for Shepherd’s Table. I interviewed the subjects, photographed them, and wrote the stories for social. I obtained the consent of each subject and whenever possible, returned to share the end product.
Jerry
“I don’t tell my story too often anymore,” Jerry shared with us after finishing his dinner in the dining room. “Back in the early ‘80s, I was homeless, so I came here. And I met some guys out here; I didn’t even know how to ride the bus or nothing. So, I hung out with them, and they taught me a lot.” Now, Jerry is housed in his own apartment and has a job on the National Mall with NPS. He occasionally swings by Shepherd’s Table to visit old friends. Gesturing to one such buddy, he explained, “Every night I see him, we fellowship, that’s all. We talk about people who was homeless or worked for the county. I know a guy who went to community college now, several of them did good.” Elaborating on why he makes time to travel up from the city and visit Shepherd’s Table, he explained, “I won’t ever forget where I came from. And I come here to fellowship.”
Kathleen
“If it weren’t for this Eye Clinic, I wouldn’t be here.” Kathleen had been looking for eye care when she learned of our free services. “Dr. Davis was very kind to me, and I was very taken with her,” she shares. “They are very accepting here of people, and you feel at ease immediately.”
At her appointment, Dr. Davis recognized a potential cause for concern in Kathleen’s eye and referred her to a specialist. It can be difficult for people with limited financial resources to decide what does and does not receive attention. Kathleen explained that in her experience receiving health services, she’s received many referrals she’s had to ignore because she didn’t have the financial means to follow through.
But Kathleen developed so much trust in Dr. Davis that she said she knew she had to follow through on the referral to “not disappoint her.” When she did, the team discovered melanoma that, if left untreated, could’ve cost Kathleen her life. Thankfully, she was able to receive the care she needed. Today, she is happy and healthy and still makes her routine visits to Dr. Davis at our Eye Clinic.
Wanda & Thornton
Despite familial roots in D.C. dating back to the 1930’s, Wanda and her son Thornton were experiencing a bout of street homelessness when they walked by Progress Place last February. The line of people outside caught their attention and sparked curiosity. When they learned free food was available, they decided to check it out for themselves. Now regular meal guests at Shepherd’s Table, Wanda and Thornton connected with our Social Services team and have worked on securing ID’s, food stamps, housing and employment through our case management services. Recently, they both began living as shelter guests with our partner Interfaith Works, where they’ll continue to receive top-tier case management and are working towards financial independence. In the ever-changing (and gentrifying) landscape of the DMV, Shepherd’s Table and our partners are here to ensure longstanding neighbors in the community are not abandoned to slip through the cracks. ST will feed Wanda and Thornton and alongside the Progress Place community, work with them both to see their goals realized.
Lazarus
Lazarus is a collector: he carries rocks, gems, beads and stones from all over the country. As an artisan, he crafts his findings into beautiful jewelry he generously shares with others. He doesn’t charge for his creations, but instead freely gives his work away to any interested party. He’s found that in return, people will often offer a gift that happens to be just what he needs in the moment. “I probably get what I need from one bracelet for every ten I give away,” he shares. Lazarus explains that he doesn’t like to stay in any one place for too long, but he brings joy and positivity to our community whenever he stops by for a meal.
Morgan
Morgan has been in and out of shelters for four years, staying at Progress Place for the past three months. “It’s been very stressful,” she reflects on the struggle to secure and maintain housing. “A lot of things have been going downhill, but I’ve been doing my best to hang on.” In childhood, Morgan suffered in an abusive home and was forced to cut contact with her family. “No one should have to go through that,” she reflects on the experience of fleeing home as a young person and facing housing insecurity without a familial network to support her. Still, “I’m keeping it hopeful,” she shares. “I might not get the place right now, but at least I’m hoping.” We’re here to walk alongside her during this journey and provide resources and support.