Richard's Story: Connected to Community

Throughout his life, Richard found it difficult to fit in with other people. Childhood friendships were few and he never had much success developing lasting relationships with coworkers or neighbors. Sometimes he even felt detached from his own family. This lack of connection left him feeling as if he didn’t belong anywhere. He drifted between cities and jobs until he found himself homeless and struggling to survive.
A couple of years ago, Richard discovered Community First! Village. He now has a permanent place to live. He is connected with his community and has a sense of belonging. He has found home.
Richard is one of the most connected people I know and his impact is felt daily all around the Village. He is a gardener in Genesis Gardens and manages the free farmers market for his neighbors. He leads tours with volunteers and serves on the Community Council as a representative of his neighborhood block. He also volunteers with other neighbors on the Community First! Village food truck that goes out to the streets to feed and serve his homeless friends.
One of Richard’s favorite programs at the Village is Home Street Music. Each week, neighbors and volunteers gather to make music. Richard and his friends wrote this song together about Richard’s life today. Now safe at home in Community First! Village, Richard has “Nothing to Fear.”