I have been gratefully housed for over 17 years now and I had been thinking of leaving my hospitality job to work with the community from where I was once a part of. I really wasn’t sure which area I wanted to serve in and I came to the conclusion that my heart belonged at Room In The Inn. I had a direct connection with RITI since 1997 and had been a part of various programs as well as volunteer and donor. I felt like I knew my territory. I had been gone from the unhoused community for all those years and I needed to become centered in my work and be re-oriented to the new challenges I would face as a paid employee. The thing I observed that was most needed as the gift of listening. Being able to empathize with each individual I encountered and relate my personal experiences as “been there done that” angle has helped break down barriers between myself and the folks I encounter. This approach has led me to some very frank and personal conversations and I feel honored to be trusted enough to be allowed to let others vent and then explore possible solutions to the very sensitive and important issues each individual is facing. My thoughts and reflections are of gratitude and humility as we all strive to find our way through life.