Finding Community at the Eugene Mission

Dennis, a guest in the Mission’s R3 program, is more optimistic than ever.

Dennis has always had a thirst for a deeply rooted community and to see people working together and caring for one another as they move through life’s joys and griefs.

His mother recently passed, and he shared a photo of his sisters holding her hand when she was in the hospital. He said the photo reminded him of connectedness and the bonding of community and how important it is for us to share life with one another.

Dennis has been a bright light at the Warehouse, where he greets donors who drive in and helps them unload items from their vehicles. He always has a smile and a friendly word.

Dennis is preparing to find work again and is being supported by staff at the Mission, guests with whom he is close friends, and a team at Easter Seals, which helps veterans find employment.

He said people at the Mission walk together and talk together to find hope in what’s going well.

“No matter what’s happened in your life, people are what matters,” he said. “You can’t do it alone.”