09/30/2026
Good evening, everyone. This has been a prayerful and hard decision and a difficult post to write. It's taken almost 3 weeks 🤦♀️
A little over 10 years ago, my husband and I set out on a journey that began with God's still, small voice whispering, "Meet them where they're at." With little more than a Facebook post requesting blankets and sleeping bags, and a measure of faith, we loaded up the truck and headed to Indianapolis. God led us directly to a camp along the river. It was new, exciting, and a little intimidating, but that day we met some incredible people, and our hearts were forever changed.
What began as a simple act of obedience grew into a calling. As Scripture reminds us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Looking back now, I can clearly see His hand guiding every step. The support we received and the constant reminder that this mission belonged to God created a deep conviction to build relationships, earn trust, and share His love. Our mission was simple- show up, be consistent, build trust and love without judging.
Today, I reflect on a decade-long journey that could never have been accomplished alone. I am deeply grateful for the dedicated team members who served alongside us through the years. Scott was instrumental in establishing Hearts for the Homeless and God's vision. Jeff was relentless in getting me back out there when I didn't think I had it in me. And Jill, with a fresh passion and tender heart, walked right beside me for the last few years.
Over these ten years, we built relationships with countless friends and shared in life's highest joys and deepest sorrows. Together we celebrated victories, shed tears, prayed through hardships, and mourned painful losses. Through it all, we were transformed. We quickly learned that outreach is about far more than food, blankets, or hygiene kits. Those things simply build bridges. The true heart of the work has always been people. They taught us more than we could ever teach them. They showed us dignity in hardship, courage in uncertainty, and hope in the face of impossible circumstances.
Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40). That verse became a living reality for us. Every conversation, every prayer, every shared meal, and every moment of simply being present reminded us that people are not projects to be fixed, but lives to be loved. I am profoundly grateful for every person who sustained this mission week after week.
To our volunteers: you truly became Christ's co-laborers. Every one of you brought unique gifts, grace, and compassion, creating bonds that will last a lifetime. You showed up in freezing temperatures, blistering heat, pouring rain, and quiet mornings, bringing compassion, encouragement, and hope. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
To our donors and community partners, your radical generosity turned a simple vision into a lifeline. Because of your faithfulness, countless individuals received not only meals and necessities, but also kindness, dignity, and hope. You trusted us with your resources, and God multiplied those gifts in ways we could have never imagined.
To every person we have met along this journey, thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your stories, allowing us to share your burdens, celebrate your victories, and walk beside you during some of life's hardest moments. You have shaped us, challenged us, humbled us, and blessed us more than words can express. I love all of you and am a phone call away. ❤️
As we close this chapter, it is with a heart full of gratitude. While this season of ministry may be ending, the relationships, memories, and lessons will remain with us forever. We leave knowing that God was faithful in every step, that the seeds planted over the last ten years will continue to bear fruit long after we are gone. Through every provision, every volunteer, every friendship, every challenge, and every answered prayer, He continually reminded us that this work was never ours. It was always His.
Thank you for every prayer, every donation, every volunteer hour, every act of kindness, and every word of encouragement. Thank you for believing that every person has value, every life has purpose, and every encounter is an opportunity to share God's love. The last ten years have been a beautiful testament to the truth of 1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
May God richly bless each of you. Thank you for allowing us to walk this journey, for walking this journey with us, for being the hands and feet of Jesus, and for helping us demonstrate that sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is simply show up, listen, and love. Thank you for your hearts for the homeless.
With sincere gratitude and love from the deepest parts of my heart,
Marie ❤️
