Mark

After living by the river for 4 long years, Mark recently moved into his own apartment after becoming a participant in our new housing program operated in collaboration with DePaul USA. One staff member described him as, “a gentle man, kind and unpretentious with much to teach us about life.”

Originally from California, Mark spent much of his youth growing up in Amite, Louisiana and has worked in many environments from a health spa, to an aquatic park to a bottling plant. His passions are many - beadwork, leather craft, writing, camping, gardening, art, and technology. Mark is also an accomplished poet and has written pieces for various Center events. He wishes people knew that “those experiencing homelessness may be facing many problems, but there is a humanity and awareness that come from being on the streets.” When asked how he stays so peaceful in an uncertain lifestyle Mark says, “Don’t hold grudges, be satisfied. Have tolerance, be tolerant. Return to the old ways, good ways of simplicity, organized effort. Encourage all.” Below is one of Mark’s works:

“I am a wall

Lean on me

Attach your ideas

Build on me

I have a foundation

Truth build me

And I encourage you

To rebuild me”