How friends like you helped Bill find hope & new life
When people ask Bill to share his testimony, he responds, “I don’t have a testimony, but I have a heck of a love story that I can share because it’s God’s love that’s got me where I’m at today.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Bill dreamed of becoming a great basketball player. That dream seemed possible when he earned a basketball scholarship to a nearby university. But everything changed when his mother developed cancer. Bill left school to care for her. Growing up, Bill’s mother had always tried to protect him — alcoholism and drug addiction afflicted members of his family. So when his mom became ill, Bill wanted to give her the same love and care she had given him. Sadly, she passed away when Bill was 21.
Spiraling into addiction & homelessness
Despite his mother’s efforts, Bill eventually fell into addiction himself. He started smoking and drinking at just 13 years old. As an adult, Bill became a functioning alcoholic, constantly seeking work so he could continue drinking.
Bill struggled for decades and experienced homelessness three times. “Alcohol took so much from me,” he says. One of the hardest moments of his life was sending his daughter to live with her mother in Florida. He recalls, “I wasn’t able to take care of myself, and I didn’t want her to see me crying.”
In 2008, homeless for the third time, Bill reached his breaking point. Walking through the park and in tears, he cried out, “God, I can’t do this!” Bill then heard the Spirit of the Lord say to him, “I got you.”
From crisis to a second chance
Soon after, Bill came to The Bowery Mission at a friend’s suggestion. Exhausted and afraid, Bill found comfort in the first two plaques he saw in our chapel: “Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest,” and “Do not fear for I am with you; Do not be dismayed for I am your God.” Bill knew he was where he needed to be. That first night, after a warm shower, he lay down on his bed and cried tears of joy.
Bill was ready to lean into the help available to him at the Mission. He joined our Men’s Residential Program and actively participated in classes, chapel services and trainings — seeing this as an opportunity for a better life. “This was God’s plan,” Bill says.
“The Bowery Mission is an awesome place,” he beams. “The Mission helped me grow and showed me how to love and care for others. It’s not about you — it’s about those you serve.”
Bill is pictured here with fellow staff member Jackie (left) and fellow alumni Edna and Irene (far right), gathering to show support at The Bowery Mission’s 2024 Graduation Ceremony.
Restoration & new life
After graduating in 2009, Bill stayed on at the Mission — first as a Mission Trainee, then as a fulltime staff member. Today, at age 70, he serves as a Community Life Coordinator in our emergency shelter. He finds joy in helping the homeless. “I don’t work,” Bill says with a smile. “I serve.”
Bill experienced true life transformation at The Bowery Mission. He no longer smokes or drinks. After 18 long years, Bill reunited with his daughter and is now in regular contact with her as well as with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “I thank God for so many blessings,” Bill says. “I enjoy tremendously what I do. I love being a servant unto the Lord. I love being helpful to those I can be helpful to.”
“If you hold onto God’s unchanging hand, He’s going to pull you through.” — Bill
You can help others find restoration and a new life
Bill first came to our Red Doors in need of safe shelter and critical care but found so much more. Your support helps give people like Bill the opportunity to land on their feet again and to flourish. Thank you for your compassion that makes this life-changing work possible!