Hope Starts with YOU!

HOPE STARTS WITH COMMUNITY

The first time Troy came to the Compound, he looked at Karen, a weekly volunteer, with a half-smile and asked, “So… what do you think about everything going on in the country right now?”

It definitely wasn’t the usual small talk... it was his way of opening the door to a real conversation. And that’s very much who Troy is — thoughtful, curious, and genuinely interested in how the world works beyond his own immediate challenges.

As we spent more time with him, we realized a simple, but important, need... clothing that actually fits.

Troy is a large man, and donated items almost never come in his size. Once we had his measurements, one of our volunteers purchased shirts, pants, and underwear — not as charity, but as a practical way of telling him he is seen and cared for.

Over time, our conversations with Troy have covered all kinds of topics, like what he’s been reading, what he sees happening locally, and his hopes and dreams for the future.

HOPE STARTS WITH COMPASSION

Troy is not someone seeking a continuous handout. He works night shifts in security and sleeps in his car during the day. The car is his shelter, his transportation, and his only private space. He comes to the Compound to shower, do laundry, and reset before heading back into another long night of work.

One afternoon, he shared a hope he quietly carried — he wanted to earn his Commercial Driver’s License. It could provide stability, better pay, and a real path forward to change his life...

But he needed a copy of his birth certificate from another state before he could even begin the application process. For most people, that’s a task handled online in a few minutes. But for Troy, it was a major barrier.

He had no computer, no printer, and no easy way to get a money order or submit the required identification So Karen, sat down and worked through it with him. Together they filled out the forms and mailed the packet with tracking.

Now, he must wait 10-12 weeks for the document to arrive. In the meantime, Karen reminds him that he’s moving in the right direction...and that when he finally starts driving a rig, she expects a ride!

Troy is putting in the work. He has goals and he’s pursuing them one step at a time. And we are honored to walk alongside him as he does.

HOPE STARTS WITH YOU

Transformation rarely begins with dramatic moments. Instead, it begins in relationship — in steady presence, shared conversations, and small acts of care that open the door to something new

Hope starts at the Compound.
And with your support, we can change more lives like Troy's!

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It takes at least $50,000 a year to keep the day shelter open for Troy and 150+ homeless and hurting folks downtown.

The Compound serves as a beacon of God's love downtown — providing for both essential needs like showers, clean clothing, and nutritious snacks — while also creating opportunities to build relationships and share the Gospel with the homeless.

Urban Purpose is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law and will be used in the area of greatest need.