It seems like only yesterday I was introducing myself at the May 2009 Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition as the new VISTA. It was at Compassion Ministries, and Kenneth told me I had to introduce myself and tell a room full of strangers about myself, my work and what I planned to do as the VISTA.

It’s been a year of education. I learned that the homeless are not nameless faces wandering our streets. They are men and women who, due to numerous reasons, are surviving the best way they know how. They are sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, and men and women who served our country. They have names and stories just like all of us, and deserve the respect and love that all human beings deserve. I learned that a person’s efforts do matter. And, that every little bit furthers awareness and compassion.

It’s been a year and now my time here is over. As of April 23rd, I turn over this newsletter and my duties to our new VISTA, Kevin Allen. Kevin hails from Lufkin, Texas, and from our conversations, has a heart and passion to serve the homeless in Waco. Kevin will be joining us at our April 16th meeting to introduce himself before he heads to his VISTA training orientation.

I leave my term not in a room full of strangers, but in a group of friends with a common goal — to love and serve those living in homelessness in Waco. I hope to serve alongside you all in the future and to see you at the May coalition meeting, where I will have to remind myself to RSVP!

Until then,

Chelle Samaniego
2009 – 2010 VISTA
Heart of Texas Homeless Coalition
972-998-8640
254-750-5967

Learn more about the HOTHC at www.heartoftexashomeless.org