Serve the City Recap: PATH Grand Opening!

Last Saturday, my alarm went off and I bounced out of bed. My two boys and I were heading to downtown San Jose to help our local homeless population in a unique way, and I was determined not to be late. We arrived on time at the venue: a large, new, attractive apartment building. There was a large Garden City group already gathered in the meeting room, including plenty of my kids’ friends.

So what was this unique opportunity?

We were tasked with unpacking household items and setting them up in brand new apartments for 83 of the most vulnerable homeless people selected by PATH (a non-profit serving the homeless).

Setting up a new room for PATH residents in San Jose.

Before we began our task, we were treated to an explanation of PATH’s aim, philosophy, methods and impressive track record. PATH’s aim is straightforward (although not simple): to end homelessness. One thing we learned that sets PATH apart from other service providers is its “housing first” approach. Instead of requiring people to have a job before securing a home, they first connect them to permanent housing in order to stabilize their lives. To help with this stabilization, PATH even provides relevant services on site. Residents contribute 30% of their income and the remainder of the rent is covered by PATH.

With an understanding of the big picture, it was time to go upstairs and get to work… although honestly, it didn’t feel much like work to me. It was kind of fun to be working with friends to make beds, organize the kitchens and make the rooms feel welcoming for their new residents. The hour went by quickly.

We finished the morning with coffee and bagels with some of the residents who had already moved in over recent days. Sitting in the light-filled and chic shared space, one resident described the view from her room that looked out over St James Park as “the best view in the world!” Another resident had a friend visiting her for the day – no doubt she was proud to show off her room and view too.

This building – these rooms with inner city views - provide dignity to these individuals. Previously marginalized and vulnerable, these residents have been embraced by PATH and shown that others care about them. They have not simply been “moved on;” they’ve been “moved up” – given a place to belong and a place to take pride in.

What a beautiful picture of acceptance and grace!