A Second Chance at Hope: Kevin’s Story

Looking at Kevin, you’d never know the journey he’s been through and both the mental and physical challenges he had to overcome to get to where he’s at today. His story is one of perseverance and patience—and the faithfulness of God.

May of 2023, Kevin was laid off from his well-paying job and just three weeks later, he had his second stroke. Two weeks after that, he had a third stroke.

Things kept going from bad to worse and he was able to find a job only to get laid off again and suffer through yet another stroke.

With his mental health at rock bottom and trying to provide for his children and mother but barely able to pay for groceries, Kevin realized he needed help. He picked up the phone and two phone calls later, was connected to Good Sam.

We came alongside him with financial support and with that burden lifted, Kevin was able to focus on finding a job and heal from his strokes. It gave him the boost he needed to hope again.

“Good Sam’s help allowed me to change perspective and say ok this is God working and providing,” he shared.

“And definitely allowed me to feel, not happy-go-lucky I’m just going to go dance a jig but allowed me to feel a little bit of relief that I can get through this. God’s got this.”

In many ways we are all just one accident, one stroke, one layoff, one addiction away from our lives being turned upside down. Kevin’s story is a reminder of that, but it’s also a reminder of the power of community and what happens when someone is given chance to hope again.

That’s why we are so passionate about compassionately responding to those approaching or experiencing homelessness. We want to see people find hope and to know they are not alone.

“Every day I find myself just wanting to say thank you to him over and over again,” Kevin said. “I’m thankful [to God] that I’m alive. And I see in this time that he’s been my provider, my protector and my healer.”

“I feel forever indebted to Good Sam and grateful to God for leading me here.”