The Heartbeat of this City’s Greatness

Dear Friends of The Beacon,

A neighbor and I were chatting recently while walking our dogs. He asked how I was doing and what I thought of Houston. I told him what I tell everyone: I love Houston.

As a newcomer, I sometimes find driving here to be a little daunting. Yesterday, I was in the car with a native Texan who was zipping across several lanes on I-10 to get to an upcoming exit. She said calmly, “You’ll get used to it; you just have to be assertive.” After my heart calmed down and I released my white-knuckled grip on my seat, I figured she was probably right. I’ll get used to it.

But since I prefer walking my dog over driving, I got to spend a little more time talking with my neighbor about why I love this city. He agrees and observed, “There just seems to be room for everyone here.” His remark reminded me of the central role The Beacon plays in making Houston a truly great city. Because the true measure of a city is not its booming economy, its great restaurants, its entertainment, or even its diversity. The true measure of a great city is the way in which it treats its poorest and most vulnerable citizens. And at the epicenter of that metric, Houston has The Beacon.

The Beacon is Houston’s “front door” for housing and other basic, lifegiving services for the most vulnerable. And what one finds at this front door is deep, soulful caring, along with behind-the-scenes efficiency, expertise, and undaunted commitment to care for people who have become accustomed to being treated as unwanted and unseen. At The Beacon, Love warmly greets each person with the assurance that they belong, that they have an advocate, a comforter, and a guide. “Come in. We are here for you.”

And in being there for people who are experiencing homelessness, the staff, volunteers, and contributors of The Beacon are making room for everyone, even the most vulnerable among us. It is the front door for so many services and is the heartbeat of this city’s greatness.

Of course, I have seen a glimpse of the underbelly of Houston as well. No city is without its challenges. But even in this instance, The Beacon is working in partnership with civic leadership, law enforcement and businesses to develop creative and cooperative solutions to ameliorate encampment situations. Other non-profits, businesses and government officials are working closely to move the needle, helping individuals and our community.

As I’ve told my neighbor, I love Houston. At the center of my affinity for this great city is The Beacon – a place that is making room for the least of these in a quiet and resolved spirit of compassion that is uniquely beautiful. Thank you for being a partner in this ministry that is a model for the nation.

Sincerely,