One of my favorite books is The Soloist by Steve Lopez. It is the story of Mr. Lopez’ friendship with a gentleman, Mr. Nathaniel Ayers who after being in school at Julliard, develops schizophrenia and eventually ends up playing violin and living on the streets of Los Angles, California. The book chronicles their early friendship and the trials that Mr. Lopez sees Mr. Ayers experience.
Last year, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Lopez at a National Alliance of Mental Illness conference in Indianapolis. During his keynote, Mr. Lopez said no less than 5 times that “supportive housing works”. This is mildly amazing when you consider that Mr. Lopez is a journalist, and prior to meeting Mr. Ayers was unfamiliar with the world that works to house those who are homeless and to provide them with the most appropriate supports available to help them maintain that housing.
Many times we drive by the chronic homeless and we don’t truly see them. I will always respect Mr. Lopez for making Mr. Ayers more than just another homeless face we don’t truly see, through this work, Mr. Ayers becomes someone for whom we care.
The residents we serve at Partners In Housing each have names and stories just like Mr. Ayers. I invite you pick up the book and after you read it, come volunteer with us and get to know our residents on a personal level.
