For those experiencing homelessness, hope can feel like a distant dream—until they find The Source.

Andrew Smith knows this all too well. Born in Oxford, Mississippi, and raised in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Andrew came from a good home, where faith and determination were guiding principles. His father, an Episcopalian priest and WWII radio operator, fought for justice, including the integration of Ole Miss University.

Those same values of resilience carried Andrew through his darkest times.

When unemployment left Andrew homeless, he found himself waking up cold and weary, searching for shelter on local benches. But he never lost faith that something would change. And then, his luck turned—he discovered The Source through a friend.

Here, Andrew didn’t just find a meal or a place to rest—he found a path forward. Through The Source’s programs, he slept safely on the Dignity Bus, gained culinary skills in Dining with Dignity, and secured employment at Bonefish Grill. He even got to experience the joy of visiting Universal Studios for the first time since he was 18.

Most importantly, with the help of our Employment Specialist, The Source helped him reclaim his identity, assisting him in obtaining his Social Security card, birth certificate, glasses, food handler’s license, and a savings plan—everything he needed to rebuild his life. Now, Andrew is looking ahead, setting his sights on visiting old friends in Baltimore.

Your support makes stories like Andrew’s possible. Because of your generosity, those experiencing homelessness can find stability, dignity, and hope for a new chapter.

Will you be the helping hand someone desperately needs today?

Donate now and help us continue providing meals, shelter, job training, and life-changing opportunities for people like Andrew.