Jericho Way is a refuge for many people. There is no age limit or any other restriction that could keep someone from getting a warm meal or finding help. The Day Resource Center is run by a nun, Sister Elizabeth Greim and has been in service for over a year. Besides bible discussion groups, breakfast and lunch, people in need can find assistance and help for any kind of official document or benefit application. There is also a possibility to take showers, make phone calls, find community and play games or watch movies. A Social Worker from Jericho said: “Of course it’s sad to see people coming back, because that means nothing has changed, but it shows us that they like coming here and they found more than just shelter in our community.” Between 75 and 100 women and men of all ages and backgrounds visit the safe haven daily. The variety of different personalities you can meet there is very noticeable and interesting.

My first encounter was with a 43 year old man. He got released from jail one week ago, where he had to spend 2 weeks, because he didn’t show up at court for a trial. In 2012 he got caught driving a car without license, but there was such a long time in between the felony and the process, that he forgot all about it and they came to take him in. All of this happened without notice, so he was not able to inform his boss, who he built therapeutic spas for, or anybody else. Without knowing where he was or what was going on, they could not hold the job for him, which brought him to his current situation. Applying for food stamps gives him hope to be able to manage everything for the next few weeks, but he’s certain he will find new work.

Born in 1975, the next man I met already went through a variety of experiences in his life. I felt honored that he would go through this conversation with me, when I found out he is schizophrenic. That’s also the reason why he lives in the woods, because he tries to stay away from crowded places and enjoys being isolated. For 22 years, he owned a painting business, until he got divorced and decided to move back to the country side and live on a farm. With his ex-wife he has three children (14, 21, 22 years). Two of them go to college in Fayetteville and the youngest son lives with her in Rushville, where they’re being supported by his mother. When things didn’t work out as planned, he realized that he needed help, which couldn’t be provided for him in Rushville, so he decided to come back to Little Rock. Here, he’s slowly established a new life for himself and tries to get back on his feet. Campus Community is a big help, where he can help building churches and painting houses. After spending 4 years in prison (2008 – 2013), it’s also not the easiest to find a new job, especially now that he had a liver failure. Food stamps helped him a lot before, but a while ago someone stole his phone and all his belongings, including his EBT card and his ID. After everything that happened, he still didn’t give up hope and tries his best to get back on his feet.

My last encounter shows the diversity of the people you can meet at Jericho House. A 19 year-old girl who is waiting in Little Rock to be picked up by her parents. She originally comes from Searcy and came here for rehabilitation. In her young age, she already struggled with severe substance abuse, especially with methamphetamines. After finishing the rehab program, she found shelter in Abba House. The only reason why she’s still here is because she’s waiting for someone to pick her up again. The battery of her phone died and she couldn’t reach anyone at home and without any income or cash, she ended up staying on the streets.

People in harder times may not always have the same background or story, but at Jericho Way, you can see how all of that doesn’t matter. The community they created there gives them a safe place, where people don’t judge, but understand each other. Everyone finds something of their heart’s desire there and most of all, they find support, which is very important and probably most absent. For some people it seems to be just a short phase they have to go through and hopefully gain strength and appreciation for life through it. For those whose struggle doesn’t seem to end anytime soon, a place like this, provides more than just a roof and a meal and I’m very glad to see the outcome of their hard work and dedication.