I knew of David Lanier long before we ever met. My editor on change.org featured him. David was a sports writer who ended up on the streets. He wrote a powerful series on homelessness for NWAonline (seems the articles are no longer available. But David wrote a little piece about this night)

Last year there was a ‘camp out’ after I spoke at the University of Arkansas. I normally don’t endorse such events.  They really do not have much impact and end up being kids eating pizza talking sports. Plus, my own homelessness cured me of camping. But Mike Rusch can be pretty persuasive. And besides, Cobblestone Project has been wonderful to InvisiblePeople.tv so I agreed.

After I spoke, as the group of ‘campers’ were walking to the tent area, David came up and introduced himself to me. He told me he was currently homeless and then went on to encourage me. Yes, I was blown away. But what happened just a few days ago in Northwest Arkansas WRECKED ME.

I honestly didn’t know David was going to be there. I have been so busy it slipped my mind. Then this kind, gentle man walked up and said, “thank you, your visit here last year changed my life”.

Meet David and Henry. This is another wonderful story of how compassionate, caring relationships can help solve the horrible social crisis of homelessness.

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