In the summer of 2016, Gunther was chatting with Nathan during a round of street outreach. Like countless other times, he asked Nathan if he would consider moving into housing. Then something occurred to Gunther and he asked, “How about a place with some outdoor space – a patio?”

The lightbulb came on for Nathan. He was sold.

In the months since, Nathan worked with a housing team, signed a lease and moved into an apartment building with a beautiful courtyard. As shown in the photo above, Nathan invited GMC’s case manager, Sabrina Burrell, to check out his home. He likes having a comfortable place to sleep, listen to classical music, cook, read the Bible and keep his ice cream cold.

At first, Nathan continued to sleep outside most nights, but he’s adjusting and sleeping inside more and more. He still spends most of his days in Georgetown, but in order to keep his apartment tidy, he stores his carts elsewhere.

About his new place, Nathan says:

This is the first time in my life I’ve had a place of my own. It is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I thought I’d live on the streets until the day I died, but God has blessed me and now I’m really living for the first time.

To support Nathan and our other neighbors experiencing homelessness, please give to our $10,000 matching campaign.

You can donate online or send a check to Georgetown Ministry Center; 1041 Wisconsin Avenue NW; Washington, DC 20007. Thank you!