Living life together in the Tenderloin enables me to see and understand my neighbors at a much deeper level. We share the unique experience of the Tenderloin together. The most common meeting places are on the streets, at the park or the farmer’s market, a grocery store or a community event/party. 

Someone once said, “If you want to love your neighbor sometimes you have to start with loving your neighborhood.” To love your neighborhood you have to go out and get involved in the things that the neighbors are concerned about. For me, one of the places where I get to know the problems and the peoples of my neighborhood is my monthly police-community meeting.

Sarah knocked on our door and gave us a hammer she found – she thought we would need it as we were going to start renovations for our bathrooms.  I have so many stories similar to this of our friends and neighbors who are in great need but still want to give and express kindness.

One of the things I love most is getting to cut hair for people. I love seeing the confidence people have after they get a good haircut. This does so much more than just help them feel clean; It recognizes their dignity.

I started praying for him under my breath and Juan responded in Spanish as I was praying for him. I understood what he was praying and afterward asked him if he had ever accepted Jesus into his life. He said no, but that he would like to tonight.

I came here expecting to see a change in myself, our friends on the street, and the teams that we would be leading each week. What I didn’t expect, though, was how much this time would contribute to shaping the hearts of the people that I already had in my life.