KCRM Helps Richard Come Home to Christ and His Family

Richard, a homeless man and KCRM medical client, had suffered several strokes and heart attacks over the years. His long-term goal was to return to North Carolina, where his wife and grandchildren live, but he didn’t want to go home empty handed and unable to contribute to his family’s needs. KCRM’s case managers encouraged Richard to apply for disability, then advocated for him throughout the process. KCRM volunteer and attorney, Amanda Smith, also helped him clear up several legal issues that stood in his way. After he suffered yet another stroke while in our shelter, Richard’s disability was finally approved in March and he will receive his first check in May. Finally he could go home with a clear conscience and help his family, too!

A parishioner at Grand Avenue Temple learned of Richard’s desire to return to his family and paid his way home. The best news of all is that Richard opened his heart to Christ at KCRM. “When Richard came to the Mission, he was bitter, angry and not repentant about his past crimes,” recalls Sarah Thibault, lead case manager at KCRM. “But he truly encountered Christ during his time here and drew close to Him. Christ changed him into a gentle, repentant and grateful man.”