We met Chris on the streets of Syracuse in the summer of 2020 while he was living under a bridge. Over the last three years, we loved on Chris with unconditional love (on the streets it’s called no strings). We were able to feed him, cloth him, and provide him with medical care through our partners at Housecalls for the Homeless. It has been a long journey, Chris was also a participant in our Hire Ground program that gives our homeless friends an opportunity to work and escape the grind of living outdoors. While on the work van, we are able to dive a little deeper into someone’s story with our care managers. During the work day, we find out many interesting stories as well as the real personalities of our friends. Chris had a huge personality, he was funny, loud, and intense at times. He was a straight shooter and would weave a great story. We were able to assist Chris into housing in the month of September with a wonderful collaboration of many agencies. Once housed we filled his fridge with groceries as well as provide him with items he needed, like a coffee maker, microwave, and hotplate. On November 10th, 2023 we received a call from Chris’s sister stating that he passed away. Chris was found in his apartment unconscious from an overdose. The paramedics tried for an hour to bring Chris back unfortunately to no prevail. We met the family at the apartment to go through Chris’s belongings, the family gave us the Bible that Chris used when attending churches in the area. We remember times when Chris was outdoors and wanted us to pray for him, we would and we would always encourage him that there was a better way. The family did a candlelight vigil in front of his apartment and we were able to encourage the whole family that Chris was never alone. When going through his Bible two verses were highlighted and written on an index card. The first one was Philippians 1:6  Being confident of this very thing that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. The second scripture was 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation: old things have passed away; behold, all things have become brand new. I know Chris is in our future, and we will all miss him greatly but one thing I know, Chris is no longer in pain he is rejoicing in Heaven. So what do we do with the pain of Chris”s passing? We use it as fuel to continue to do the work of serving all those who feel Invisible. If you would like to attend the memorial service you are all welcome.