Confessions of Former Panhandlers (Video)

April 12, 2016

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a panhandler?
We interviewed 4 former panhandlers (HUM clients and graduates) about their old lives, covering 10 questions:

1. How’d you get into panhandling?

2. What surprised you about panhandling?

3. What did your typical day look like?

4. How much money did you make?

5. How did you spend the money?

6. How did people respond to you?

7. What was your most memorable conversation?

8. Is employment the answer?

9. When did you stop panhandling?

10. What’s your advice for someone who wants to help?

Two links for easy sharing:

The video playlist

Download a printable street outreach card

Making new memories at our spring retreat

April 11, 2016

Twice a year, we take about 75 of our men to Camp Wabanna for a day of fresh air, reflection, and goofy group games. Watch as our men share their favorite moments:

Here is a series of photos taken by one of our clients:

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And here’s the recap video from last fall’s retreat:

It’s been so long since I’ve been out on the water

April 6, 2016

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"It's been so long since I've just been able to be out on the water. Casting a line, not worried about catching anything, watching the osprey… there's no measure of the therapeutic value of this for me." —– Jack, 105 days #clean & #sober, on our spring retreat #fishingsober #soberlife #fishing #chesapeakebay

A photo posted by Helping Up Mission (@helpingup) on Apr 6, 2016 at 9:23am PDT

It’s become part of my purpose to give back

March 31, 2016

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"I was in prison for over 10 years. Now I'm two semesters away from graduating college, and I'm a community organizer. I'm still trying to define who I am. It's become part of my purpose to give back." —– Charles, just over a year #clean & #sober, being interviewed by @mozellfilms for an epic new HUM overview video #recovery #soberlife #backtoschool #heardatHUM

A photo posted by Helping Up Mission (@helpingup) on Mar 31, 2016 at 7:53am PDT

Happy Easter!

March 27, 2016

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Happy Easter from Kris and all of us at HUM! @krissharrar is celebrating 10 YEARS #clean and #sober as of Good Friday, and now serves as our Director of Philanthropy. #soberlife #resurrectionsunday

A photo posted by Helping Up Mission (@helpingup) on Mar 27, 2016 at 5:03am PDT

Larry on giving back

March 25, 2016

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“Part of the ceiling collapsed here in this church, so we’re replacing it. We’re really enjoying the opportunity to give back.” – Larry, 4 years 4 months #sober and who works in our maintenance department, led one of several groups of our men in repair projects across #Baltimore this #HolyWeek. We were glad to be part of a church-led initiative called City Mission, which is in its third year. // Link to more pics in our bio.

A photo posted by Helping Up Mission (@helpingup) on Mar 25, 2016 at 11:44am PDT

Giving back through City Mission 2016

March 25, 2016

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Some of our men served across Baltimore this Holy Week, as a part of a multi-church initiative called City Mission. Just two of the many projects: they repaired a leaking roof at New Song Community Church in Sandtown and installed a new drop ceiling at Faith United Baptist Church in Montebello.

On Thursday evening, everyone who served across the city gathered under a tent for a shared meal. They were joined by Pastor Gary and our choir for a Maundy Thursday service, footwashing and all. It’s a privilege to serve!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVO4nlmnGOI&feature=youtu.be

Bruce works in the Clean Machine

March 10, 2016

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#tbt to Bruce, who is celebrating 1 year #sober this week! “I had 3 jobs working laundry before I came here. I like it; it’s not brain work. You can just come and do your thing. You don’t gotta talk about it.” – Bruce works in our Clean Machine doing #laundry for 500 men!

A photo posted by Helping Up Mission (@helpingup) on Mar 10, 2016 at 6:51am PST

Just doing the next right thing

March 9, 2016

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“I was pretty dead inside. My family dealt with a lot of stuff… In times when I was out rippin’ and runnin’ and doin’ my thing, they caught a lot of that damage, but they’re here with me today. You do the right thing, and people are gonna notice. People are gonna see it within you. And that’s what life looks like today: just doing the next right thing.” – Rob, 379 days #clean and #sober, with his brother #wednesdaywisdom #brothers #family #healing #soberlife #heardatHUM

A photo posted by Helping Up Mission (@helpingup) on Mar 9, 2016 at 6:16am PST

God has given me another chance

March 8, 2016

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"Man, I missed a lot of your life… and it was because of the disease that had me bound. For that I apologize to you, Little Jeff. But God has given me another chance, and this day, I’m not just gonna be your father. I am your daddy. I’m gonna be there for you.” – Malcolm, 1 year #clean and #sober, speaking to his son in his graduation speech on Friday #notadryeye #fatherandson #reunited #transformationtuesday #heardatHUM

A photo posted by Helping Up Mission (@helpingup) on Mar 8, 2016 at 7:33am PST