James Davis
The key to James Davis’ journey to housing was heavy on patience and persistence. After experiencing homelessness on and off for more than a decade, he learned the difficulties of navigating the ‘housing maze,’ as he calls the difficult journey to obtain permanent housing. Through it all, he remained resolute to find meaning and impact in his work.
James first connected with Miriam’s Kitchen in 2007, coming to our dining room for meals and to learn more about our housing program. He stayed connected with MK through the years as he experienced homelessness on and off for the next decade, which included six years living in the shelter system.
In that time, he was dedicated to having meaningful employment, and became an impassioned community leader, becoming an advocate for Street Sense Media, joining the National Coalition for the Homeless and becoming a member of the Consumer Health Foundation. He also served as a board member for Street Sense and for the East of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative in Ward 7, serving the underserved residents and elderly in his community.
After turning 62 years old in 2020, he met with a housing coordinator and started working with MK’s Patrick Gaitan. This time, the process had “a few hiccups along the way but went smooth for the most part” according to James, and he eventually obtained permanent housing in August 2020.
When he thinks about his journey and experience in obtaining housing, he is extremely glad he reconnected with Miriam’s Kitchen.
“The people, volunteers and staff are incredible in their commitment of a common cause. To me, they seem to take is as more than a job,” he said. “Miriam’s Kitchen has shown me that there are dedicated people out there who genuinely care about getting people housed, and doing it with dignity.”
