From Strangers to Friends

Kevin Lewis

December 5, 2009 is a day I will never forget. As I have been working through my own situation of being homeless, I volunteered for the bike ride to Venice Beach. Pedal With Me was a life-changing, eye-opening, beautiful event.

The amount of times “thank you” was said to me was pretty cool; but what threw me was when those statements were followed with “I feel like a real person again.” In my situation, I have not lost the vision of me or my future. A homeless woman told me: “After you are out here fighting for the basic needs in life, sometimes losing that fight, you lose sight of the things the everyday person takes for granted, like riding a bike with friends. What is happening today is people are riding bikes together, beginning as strangers and ending as friends. That is better than starting as friends.”

When the first ride was preparing to leave, we had someone come up that was late. She wanted so badly to be a part of this ride. We stopped the ride from leaving to allow her to get fitted for a bike that was being loaned. (Yes, people loaned, and then donated those bikes.) She got fitted for her bike and jumped in line. As I was clapping when the ride took off, it was the smiles and laughter, hers and those of the others, that I will remember. It seemed like a glow had returned to their presence. That moment alone touched my soul and gave me some needed strength. I believe I learned much more about the human will to just feel love and enjoy laughter then I had in many other settings I have been in. There seemed to be light returning to those souls that had not been there before--just from riding a bike down the road.

Both of the rides, 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, had similar impacts on me and the other volunteers. After the second ride took off, we headed to the entertainment stage and food-serving area. It was significant to me to see how things were being handled there. The respect everyone received at the Pedal With Me reception was a clear distinction from how homeless people are generally treated at shelters, transitional homes, and service centers. One example I can give is with the food. I found it absolutely awesome when I went up to grab a hotdog and a drink that I was not treated any differently from the homeless people that were getting food and beverages. Why is that amazing? Because in the current system, there is a hierarchy of value among people. I was happy to get a ticket and stand in line with everyone else no matter what I did with the event. It is not that I was lowered to anyone else’s level; I feel like everyone was on an equal plane. In fact you could say they were raised to mine, if you must see things in levels.

There were so many times at the stage where people would come and just thank United Steps for doing this ride, if I told you all if them, I would have to write a book. There was one similarity evident in all those expressing thanks-- it was the choking back of emotion when talking about how the even affected them. During the portion where Darryl Bell was speaking, the mission of United Steps came forth. Darryl was questioned sternly by a man about what the organization is doing, or was going to do, to help homeless people. When Darryl responded to the gentleman directly, he made it personal rather than general. “Now I know your name and you know mine, we have met and we are connected, now how can I help you?” Darryl asked. It is this reconnecting of the disconnection between these people’s lives and the rest of society that the organization is all about.

To hear Charles Hill, Founder and President of United Steps, speak about his vision, his understanding, and drive to help was also special. We have all heard many speeches made with intent to motivate; however, this was different. He understands the challenges that are out there from working with both sides. To hear him talk about building the trust to even get that basic connection started again spoke to me more than anything I have heard in a long time.

December 5, 2009 will go down as one of the most inspiring days for me, and it was my honor to be allowed to view, experience, and help with this event. As thanks are always due to those who help, I think it is appropriate to thank those who shared their lives with me--the ones who helped me understand even more fully that there is nothing that will hold back the human spirit from the highest places when given one glimmer of hope and chance. I believe this event did that for all involved, whether they volunteered, participated, or just observed. I must also thank Charles Hill and United Steps for being present in Los Angeles; it has been my honor to have met them and know that the world will benefit so much by having them in it.

An Organization To Believe In

Holly Krywicki

I "crash-landed" in Los Angeles with seven dollars, a quarter tank of gas, and my year-old dog, and teetered on the cusp of a crisis/opportunity state of mind. I've been on a road trip that has lasted four years and evolved into homelessness.

Before learning about United Steps, I was focused on what other people thought was best for me. Suggestions were offered on every aspect of my life, from what I should eat to whom or what I should pray to.

With United Steps, I've been inspired for the first time to fully look within and become self sufficient. I'm not judged here, but instead encouraged to follow my own dreams. Being empowered and uplifted by the mission of this organization has already allowed me to quit smoking cigarettes and reconnect with a spiritual group I had been involved with in the past, the Agape Center led by Michael Beckwith.

With the time and respect that United Steps has shared, I feel reconnected, despite not having known that I was disconnected to begin with. One by one, I am competently managing my responsibilities, an approach to solving my problems that I am 100% sure will lead me to my home.

I recommend that any person who is homeless contact United Steps, participate in their events, and commit to finding the inner strength to transcend their circumstances.