projectUmbrella

Meet Mario 🤝

A 62 year-old veteran from the Caribbean, Mario has been in Seattle since 1999 and carries a story shaped by faith, resilience, and survival.

He shared that he priorities his health has never used drugs and spends much of his time reading the Bible, praying every day, and leaning on his faith through difficult seasons.

Mario spoke about living with PTSD and the challenges that come with trying to find peace while navigating life on the streets.

He has slept under the Aurora Bridge and still finds his way to the park, not just for support, but to talk, meet people, and feel connected to others.

Mario reminded us that every person has a story beyond what we see. Some carry pain quietly, some carry faith loudly, and some keep showing up because connection itself can be a form of hope.

A reminder that strength is not always loud. Sometimes, it looks like prayer, presence, and choosing to keep going. 💙

Meet Ron 🤝

Originally from Maine, Ron moved to Seattle in high school and has carried a love for basketball with him ever since.

Rocking a Kentucky jersey, he and Mazen connected through the game and the joy basketball continues to bring them.

Ron shared how COVID led him into some of his hardest times, eventually costing him his job. He has now been unhoused for two years and is working to get back on his feet.

He spoke about how life on the streets teaches you to look out for yourself, because someone can be good to you one day and different the next. Still, he continues to make the best of his situation and find happiness in his own way.

A reminder that joy, strength, and hope can still exist in the middle of difficult circumstances. 💙

Meet Gandolph 🤝

From Tacoma, he worked as a mechanic before spending years navigating life on the streets.

He shared that he has been unhoused for eight years, after getting out of prison in 2016 and struggling to adjust back to civilian life.

He spoke about how people often assume those living on the streets are dirty, a misconception he believes is harmful and far from the full truth.

Over time, he has built deep relationships with others experiencing similar circumstances, even helping people reconnect with family and loved ones.

Now, he finds peace through art, especially drawing scenes of nature, which he says he appreciates because it is one of the few things we all share.

A reminder that community, creativity, and connection can still grow in places many people overlook. 💙

Perspective changes everything. 💙

Meet Ryan 🤝

An artist since junior high, Ryan creates portraits and scenic pieces, often selling his work at a local farmers market each week.

He shared how difficult it can be to pursue art on the streets, especially when his supplies and work are often taken, making it harder to keep creating.

Ryan spoke about how his perspective is rooted in spirituality, often referencing God as his “avatar,” and reminding us not to judge a book by its cover, because some of the most talented individuals go unseen.

Despite everything, he continues to find peace in his faith and push forward through his art. He now focuses on oil pastel paintings, holding onto hope through every piece.

A reminder that talent, faith, and resilience exist in places we often overlook. 💙

Meet Jonathan 🤝

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Jonathan worked as a janitor in Shoreline before losing his job and eventually finding himself on the streets.

He shared how his perspective shifted from judgment to empathy after experiencing it firsthand.

Jonathan spoke about how difficult it is to access resources like unemployment and financial support without stable housing.

After losing his mother six months ago and moving from place to place, he continues to push forward. He plays guitar to get by and holds onto hope of getting back on his feet.

Despite everything, he hopes to give back one day. A reminder that everyone has a story and deserves to be seen. 💙