Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, share a meal, and reflect on the blessings in our lives. It’s also a time to think about how we can extend that spirit of gratitude and generosity to others. At Matt Talbot, we see Thanksgiving as more than a holiday—it’s a reminder of the power of community and kindness. This season, we’d like to share Everett’s story, a powerful example of how small acts of compassion can lead to big changes.
Matt Talbot uses evidence-based best practices to connect people as quickly as possible to services that keep them safe, housed, and back on their feet. One of these efforts is our diversion program, which has a specific focus on helping individuals on the edge of homelessness-- like Everett-- avoid entering the emergency shelter system.
Earlier this year we met Everett, an elderly man recently discharged from the hospital. He was experiencing homelessness, but because of his health and the risks involved with living in a congregate setting, he didn’t feel comfortable staying at the emergency shelter. Instead he stayed at a hotel, which was only a short-term solution on his fixed income.
With no transportation, Everett needed help with basic necessities. Matt Talbot staff brought him food and hygiene items and spent time learning about his life and discussing housing options. Everett shared that he had a friend who lived in a town about an hour away from Lincoln who might be willing to help and asked us to contact the friend on his behalf.
The friend agreed to have Everett stay with him while we worked on finding a permanent housing solution. In fact, the friend shared that he had been helped by Matt Talbot years ago when he was going through a difficult time and saw this as an opportunity to “pay it forward”.
Everett felt comfortable in the town that his friend lived in and decided to stay. After many months on the waiting list, last summer he had the opportunity to move into his own home through an income-based housing program.
Everett’s story is one of many diversion success stories. Listening to a client’s situation, helping them identify their strengths and goals, and creatively advocating on their behalf reduces shelter stays and brings us closer to our vision of defeating homelessness and restoring hope.
This Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful for the compassion and generosity of those who help make stories like Everett’s possible. Whether it’s through a simple act of kindness, donating resources, or partnering with us to create lasting solutions, you are a vital part of this work. Thank you for joining us on our mission to relieve hunger, overcome homelessness, address addiction, and provide outreach and advocacy in Lincoln.
