Michael’s Story

“Just take it one day at a time. Enjoy the good for what it is. And if there’s anything bad, do your best to get through it. Know that tomorrow’s another day.”

That is the philosophy Michael lives by daily. It keeps him going, even on bad days.

Not long ago, Washington-born native Michael had a roof over his head, some money saved up and was enjoying some of his favorite music like AC/DC and Blink-182 with his loyal dog, Pip. Michael also aspired to serve his country by joining the military, but life had other plans.

Born with significant vision loss, Michael is nearsighted and has astigmatism, making his world appear blurry and distorted. As a result, his visual impairment prevents Michael from driving and limits his employment opportunities, making it hard to become financially stable.

It wasn’t until an unexpected betrayal turned Michael’s life upside down. Due to unforeseen circumstances, someone close to Michael took advantage of him financially, forcing him out of his living situation. With nowhere to turn and no financial safety net, he has been living in a small tent on the streets ever since. 

Since becoming unhoused, Michael has faced more challenges than just trying to find food and shelter from the brutal Arizona heat. For him, the most challenging part of being unhoused is enduring the prejudice and judgments he often encounters from others.

He recalls one particularly hot afternoon when he went to the library to cool off, rest and play video games. Unfortunately, this peace was short-lived. Nearby, Michael heard people laughing at him and commenting on his appearance. That moment made Michael feel like he didn’t belong, even in a public space.

“There is nowhere to go in town,” said Michael. “No matter where you go or where you sit, you get told that you have to move.” 

Michael also added, “I just wish people were more kind. Sympathetic.” 

Today, Michael relies on a small monthly disability check and picking up small jobs, which don’t get him far. Despite everything he has gone through, he’s never lost his drive to stay positive. He considers himself luckier than most, partially because of the food and support he receives from United Food Bank’s partner agency, Genesis Project. 

“It is a lifesaver,” shared Michael.

Genesis Project welcomes anyone to receive a free hot meal every weekday through its congregate meal program, no questions asked. It provides neighbors like Michael with a place to rest, receive clean clothes and eat nutritious foods with protein, fruits and vegetables. 

By sharing his story, Michael hopes to challenge the stigma surrounding being unhoused and remind others not to judge people, especially those living on the streets, before getting to know their story. While he acknowledges that some unhoused individuals cause problems, he emphasizes that judging everyone the same way is unfair.

“I understand that some [unhoused individuals] sit there and make messes and cause problems,” explained Michael. “But not everybody out here is like that. Some of us are nice, decent people. Some of us are fairly intelligent and have fallen on hard times.”

Michael understands that he alone can’t change people’s perceptions of unhoused individuals. But he believes that sometimes, empathy and a warm meal can make all the difference. 

Are you feeling inspired to feed more neighbors like Michael? When you support United Food Bank, you are not only supporting food pantries like Genesis Project, but you are also helping to provide nourishment and dignity to unhoused individuals and others facing food insecurity in Arizona. To learn more about how you can get involved visit unitedfoodbank.org/donate/. Every donation helps ensure that no one has to face food insecurity alone.

And to read more inspiring stories from neighbors like Michael, click here.