The Lane We Are In

We’re heading into a different kind of area now. This camp—and the two encampments around it—aren’t just off the map, they’re off the radar. A lot of pets that need care, yeah. But just as important, a lot of people out there who aren’t getting services at all. They’re far from the usual spots, far from the mainstream outreach routes. Most folks don’t make it out that way.

What we’re doing out there goes way beyond animal care—though don’t get me wrong, that matters. What we’re really saying is this: we care about what matters to you. The things you love. The things you protect. The things that help you survive another day.

When I first started doing outreach—even with lived experience—I had a lot to learn. Just because I wanted something when I was homeless didn’t mean that’s what someone else wants. And just because I think you need something doesn’t mean you see it that way. That was a big lesson.

So I stopped telling people what they needed and started asking.

What do you want?

What do you feel you need?

And once you start there—once you lead with respect—you can build something real. Maybe a small win. Maybe a conversation. Maybe trust. And yeah… maybe, just maybe, something bigger starts to happen.

At Convicted 4 Christ, we stopped pretending this is just a housing problem, or a drug problem, or a mental health problem. That’s too small. This is a problem of broken relationship.

Reconciliation is the work.

Back into relationship with God.

Back into relationship with self.

Back into relationship with community.

That’s the lane we’re in. And we’re not backing off it.