Father Woody’s Haven of Hope Fundraiser Calls For Kinship

“Nothing stops a bullet like a job,” Father Gregory Boyle told the crowd at the 3rd Annual Fundraising Dinner for Father Woody’s Haven of Hope. The event, held Thursday night at the History Colorado Center to raise money to help the homeless, shared a message Boyle is passionate about: “We must learn to bridge the distance between people and learn there is nothing that separates us.” Whether that means showing compassion for homeless people or gang members like the ones Boyle employs, the message could make a world of difference.

In 1992, as a response to the civil unrest in Los Angeles, Boyle made it his mission to help gang members find an escape. When he started Homeboy Industries to employ former gang members, it was at a time when gang levels and crime were at their height in Los Angeles. The success of the first business, Homeboy Bakery, created the groundwork for additional businesses. Today Homeboy Industries business include Homeboy Silkscreen, Homeboy/Homegirl Merchandise, Homeboy Diner, Homeboy Farmers Markets, and Homegirl Café. Homeboy Industries, is now the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the United States. Boyle even encouraged members of warring gangs to work side by side. “It’s amazing what a paycheck and responsibility can do to change someone,” says Boyle.

James Maes, who was formerly homeless, made that change. After receiving guidance and support from Father Woody’s Haven of Hope, Maes holds a full time job and fully supports himself. “He never misses a day of work. It’s so gratifying to see the way someone progresses in their life,” says Executive Director of Father’s Woody’s Haven of Hope, Melinda Paterson.

Last year Father Woody’s served 168,000 meals and passed out 25,000 pieces of clothing but plans on exceeding those numbers this year. Right now, the nonprofit is focusing on outfitting 1,000 homeless people with new gear that includes a backpack, sleeping bag, work boots, socks, underwear and reading glasses Attendees at the event raised the 50,000 dollars needed to make that happen, along with at least another $50,000 to be used in other ways. “It’s not just about the food and the clothing. We are moving towards a rehabilitation programs and also mental health. That way we can really find out the problem behind homelessness,” says chairman of Father Woody’s, Bill Fortune.

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More about Father Boyle: After being ordained a priest in 1984, Father Boyle He was appointed pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Los Angeles in 1986 where he served through 1992. Father Greg is the author of the New York Times Bestselling book, “Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.” He has received numerous awards including the Civic Medal of Honor and the California Peace Prize. Boyle has buried more than 180 people who either re-entered gangs or were targeted by rivals, still his pursuit remains. “It’s about building a circle of compassion and making sure no one is stating outside of it. And to find kinship. The point is about our common calling to delight in one another.”