Robert

Robert, a peaceful, soft-spoken New Orleans native is a serene presence at the Center. He describes his upbringing as a happy one where his parents taught him to remain upbeat and positive. He has worked mainly in the hospitality and food industries.  While Robert is currently homeless, he is positive about the future and says that there are many misconceptions about those on the streets, “People assume that you failed or are lazy. They don’t know my struggle. As Frederick Douglas once said, ‘without struggle there is no progress.’ I use that as my motivation.”

Robert’s passions include drawing, painting and listening to an eclectic mix of music. When asked what brings him to the Rebuild Center (where the Harry Tompson Center is located), Robert says, “I like the name ‘Rebuild.’ It’s rebuilding my life, not just on the outside, but on the inside. I feel like by coming here I have been cleansed.”  Robert says he will continue to come to the Center even when he has stable housing because he wants to give back. Robert remains confident about his future, “God always has my back. When one door closes, another one opens.”