Louis
Hi, My name is
Louis.
After struggling with addiction and experiencing homelessness since 2018, Louis entered Philly House’s emergency shelter program and is now taking steps toward stable housing and a fresh start.
A Faith That Overcomes addiction
When asked the question, “At 77 years old if you were sat in front of teenage boys today knowing what you know now, what would you tell them?” “Know God, ask God, He will answer you,” says Louis. The answer was plain and quickly offered. Louis has been on the streets of Philadelphia since 2018, sleeping in alleys and bottoms of buildings, yet his relationship with his God is strong.
Louis was born in Philadelphia into a military family and attended school until he was arrested in 11th grade. After serving jail time, he enrolled in the John F. Kennedy Vocational School obtaining his GED and a certificate in Oil Salesmanship. Expecting to work in sales, Louis had to settle for a job pumping gas. He joined the Black Panther Party in 1968. Louis eventually found focus and worked in politics including around the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and one-time Philadelphia mayoral candidate, Milton Street. He worked with Jerry Ridgely, distributor of locally branded Chumpies, Homeboys and Homegirls chips in the early 90s.
Louis by all measures had a comfortable and successful life, married and with children. And yet, Louis says for no particular reason, he started using crack cocaine in 1989. Drugs prevailed and eventually put Louis on the streets. Throughout his life as a drug addict, he was in dangerous situations. One night he recalls hearing God’s voice plainly letting him know he had to leave the building in which he was sleeping. He credits God for saving him from a violent death.
“Know God, ask God, He will answer you”
Today, Louis is drug free and looking forward to getting off the streets and into stable and secure housing. He entered Philly House’s 30-day emergency shelter program. Philly House immediately filed paperwork for him to be assigned to the Single Occupancy Room (SRO) transitional housing program, which came through for him quickly.
Today, Louis, known as Papa to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, is making his way off the streets and into a more hopeful lifestyle. Louis has seen a lot in his life and would not be blamed for bitterness and regret. When asked, he simply smiles and reminds us that it’s about God. “He’s the only one, he created everything.” His goal today? To be happy and at peace.
It’s the world we want to see.
Providing Unconditional
Refuge and Hope
Help us provide hope to the homeless, hungry and hurting of Philadelphia.
