MEET: JAMIE

Jamie is a 44-year-old Detroit native who lost his mom when he was 16 due to lupus. Jamie was an only child, an active church member, and had dreams of being a police officer. After his mother’s death, he ended up on the street and in and out of shelters as a kid. Jamie claims “If it wasn’t for the struggle — he wouldn’t be a man.” He recalls his first night on the streets where he was cold and scared, yet resourceful in always finding a vacant stairwell, shelter, or church to spend the night in. Jamie realized early on that being homeless was a reality, it was simply a part of life. We reminisced about the happiest moment of his life…it’s when he was saved in 2008. He was 34-years-old and was inspired by the things God was doing in his life. Jamie said he would thank God every morning for waking him up and putting breath in his body. We asked Jamie what is the best advice he can give us, he proclaimed “Keep praising God every day and live your life. Things never stay the same — it’s up to you.” Jamie asks that we continue to pray for his safety and to keep him rooted in his faith.

Painted by Scott Schaible