We have witnessed the power of personal storytelling from the homeless community as a profound tool in recognizing their inherent dignity and affirming their creation in the image of the God of all creation. Through their narratives, we are invited into the depths of their experiences, struggles, and triumphs, which not only humanize them but also illuminate our shared experiences. Through the raw, unfiltered narratives of their struggles, and hopes, these stories humanize a demographic often marginalized and overlooked by society.
Such stories challenge societal stereotypes and break down the walls of indifference, compelling us to see the homeless not as distant others, but as fellow sojourners. This recognition fosters a profound sense of empathy and solidarity, urging us to respond with compassion, respect, and a commitment to justice. By listening to and valuing their stories, we affirm that every person, regardless of their circumstances, carries within them a sacred worth that mirrors the infinite love and creativity of the God who created us all.
Creating Awareness so we all see the humanity in those struggling with homelessness
Core Values
Servant Leadership
Dedicated to finding common ground by coming alongside the invisible people and intrinsic struggles within marginalized communities where our neighbors are struggling through homelessness, addiction, mental illness, disabilities, and reintegration.
Sanctuary
Healing the trauma that homelessness and addiction perpetuates, with God-inspired experiences. By hosting soothing nature-inspired retreats we provide that critical separation from the day-to-day operations and provide a healing time a that invokes openness, honesty and vulnerability from participants and volunteers who can share similar stories and experiences; and begin to put back together those broken places in their lives.
Broad Awareness Platforms
By amplifying the voices of those we intend to serve and sharing their stories of brokenness through media, television and music, we bring attention to the core [internal] struggles and challenges faced by those in our communities who are hurting. Communicating with vulnerability the story of what leads a person to the traumatic path of homelessness and addiction and inhibits the ability to successfully manage mainstream cultural norms.
Collaboration
By engaging missions, recovery centers, the creative community, like-minded organizations, and mainstream media to build content that avoids exploitation; but rather gives way for participants to access the freedom that comes from sharing their reality so that it becomes purposeful.
Advocate
By offering solutions that address the most pressing and fundamental obstacles of those experiencing homelessness, addiction, trauma and mental health crisis. Developing resources that provide financial aid, jobs, housing and resources that will help lift participants out of homelessness and poverty. Providing practical awareness tools that will aid any person who cares to be able to help in some meaningful way.
Story
We believe in the power of story to heal the individual and to inspire others.
Unwavering Resolve
Dedication to creating a world where every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, has access to the support they need to thrive so they can move from homelessness to self-sufficiency through following a recovery process and receiving the help of those providing wrap-around services. Desiring real reform, we believe that homelessness should be addressed primarily as a mental and behavioral health issue, rather than simply a housing issue. (The Discovery Institute report)
Faith
Our faith is based on the Nicene Creed and guided by Scripture.
Strategies
Retreats
- A safe place where dignity, compassion, generosity, and humility are modeled. A place where stories are heard and captured.
- The retreats are facilitated with various rescue missions and those serving the needs in our homeless community.
- UR collaborates with them so that the right people attend who are prepared to tell their stories.
- Teaching and various activities reinforce the value, dignity, and purpose of each participant.
Music/Songs
- Songs written by leading artists/writers that are inspired by and reflective of the life stories of the participants at the retreat.
- The new music is archived and presented on UR’s new website, its social media platforms, through other partner streaming platforms, and on other platforms of the Citygate Network member websites and those of the organizations doing this valuable work around North America.
Films
- Working with successful like-minded people, producers, and film companies to present Encouraging Stories.
TV series, documentaries, and Specials
- Telling the individual’s story that inspired the song.
Events
- Other gatherings that bring awareness and inspire action, including tours, conference presentations, collaboration with various church and like-minded ministry organization to present special events with purpose, as well as industry partners (content companies, labels, publishers, influencers, etc.)
Collaborative
- By working with others on each task in a collaborative manner we achieve together what cannot be done with as much impact individually. Our relationship with Citygate Network demonstrates our commitment to each other and to this collaborative model.
