Ray Welcomes New Residents to Lydia
The following speech was shared by Ray, a Lydia resident, during the grand opening of Lydia’s expansion. This has been republished with his permission.
I’m Ray, and I’ve lived at Lydia for 16 years. In my time here, I’ve found that Lydia is like a library. Behind every door is a story. Sometimes that story can be a comedy, a drama, or even a mystery.
With the expansion, Lydia’s library is getting bigger. I am so excited to welcome 40 new stories to our community.
I believe in order to be a united nation, you need to become a united neighborhood. If you can change a neighborhood, you can change a country. You can’t have health without red blood cells after all. That’s what Lydia represents to me. A home that helps strengthen and unites our community.
Together as residents of Lydia, we value community building, welcoming others, and care. In my time here, I’ve tried my best to offer protection to my neighbors when they’re out and about.
I experienced a lot in my life before coming to Lydia. I felt miserable staying in shelter. But since living here, my life has transformed in so many ways.
Here at Lydia, you can depend on one and other. You learn the responsibility of just helping out. We go on community outings together. We assist each other.
There is a lot of trust here. Whether it’s the case managers, or your neighbors. When people live in a place like Lydia, you can choose your own path and reach whatever goals you’ve set.
Going through what I have, I’ve learned to deal with depression. I’ve come to realize that your mind is like a car. We can recognize all the abilities it offers. But wait, where are you sitting? You’re never in control if you’re a passenger.
So regardless of what you’re experiencing in life, please remember: the best pictures are developed in the dark.
We need more homes like Lydia because everyone’s story is unique. And everyone’s story deserves to be heard.
Thank you all for helping make these 40 additional homes a reality. And to our new residents, I welcome you to our collection of stories.
Click here to read more about the grand opening of Lydia’s expansion and consider making a gift today to help forward the vision that all people have a home.
