What was your situation that led to homelessness?
I had a great job at IU, a nice apartment,…and started seeing someone. We got engaged and I agreed to move to be with her before putting in my two-week notice. One year later, the relationship wasn’t working out and I had no place to go.
My uncle from Spencer put me up for 3 months and then I went to South Carolina for a year. Once I came back to Indiana, I entered the shelter system. Once my stay ran out, I started talking with Laura at the Shalom Community Center and she told me about the Catholic Worker.
How was your experience at the Catholic Worker?
I mostly stayed to myself. It was pretty peaceful there. I enjoyed attending the first annual Ohio River Valley Catholic Worker Retreat. I also met a lot of friends while staying at the Catholic Worker, connections that I still have to this day.
Staying there helped me grow spiritually. I spent a lot of time reading Scripture while there. I also learned I am NOT a vegetarian. (I love meat too much!) I learned that I would like having a family someday, watching the families at the Worker.
What is one thing you’d want to share with new guests that live with us?
– Stay out of trouble, be careful how you work through conflict with the other guests
– no fighting! Some conversations will help you grow, others are better to keep to yourself.
– Keep your room clean!
– Be honest.
– If you are not a vegetarian on potluck nights, you can pitch in and provide the meat! You can also host your own sushi nights or cookouts for the community.
What was your situation that led to homelessness?
Chad: I was born in a cage. My wife, I found, smarting, from remnants of male-oriented housing schemes. I have many faults, more than enough to excuse any society for an unwelcoming attitude. Now that we’re down to 1%, perhaps, we can get some lee-way. Today, I no longer want to compete, and if not for the Catholic Worker, I’d sleep closest to the best dumpster.
Misty: I’d lost my job.
How was your experience at the Catholic Worker?
Chad: We love the Catholic Worker. We have heard of God’s grace, grace and social reform. Sure, we must all brush our teeth and bathe, but if before the court who may judge us all, we’d swear we saw God’s grace and the turning of the wheel. We thank them for their hospitality and all their hard work.
Misty: If it wasn’t for the Catholic Worker, I’d be living on the streets.
What is one thing you’d want to share with new guests that live with us?
Chad: It is easy to judge but hard to see. He/She could do this or that. It would be better if so or so or this went thus. I have smarted, because I am angry. I love my Lord though I stumble. God is there, and if you try, they will help you. I don’t deserve their grace or hospitality, but I swear – its there.
Misty: It’s the best place on earth!
Bloomington Catholic Worker 