Pure friendship is a mysterious thing. It’s not measured in likes or comments and perhaps not measurable at all. Yet most of us probably know it when we see it. True friendship is voluntary and generous. It’s effortless, agreeable kindness towards someone you have chosen to know.

Supportive Friends differ from Intentional Neighbors in that they don’t live in the Sacred Settlement themselves. Instead, they integrate themselves into the community on a basis of friendship, visiting as often as needed. There’s no time commitment or pressure, it's about just being a good friend.

For people living on the streets, many have missed out on the comforts of a supportive childhood. Some may struggle to recall moments of joy and love from their parents and fell into friendships that were exploitative and destructive. The role of a Supportive Friend is crucial—helping them rediscover or create new positive memories that reinforce their value as individuals. Show them that the challenges they face are insignificant compared to the strength of your relationship. Show them that you want to be with them and enjoy their company. Jeff, a supportive friend at Sacred Settlement Mosaic, refers to this bond as 'relational joy'.

Fred, a Supportive Friend at Sacred Settlement Prince of Peace, added:

There’s a transformation of the heart that’s unbelievable. It starts with great intentions. You want to do good things. You want to help people heal; you want to bring value to their lives.

That is totally, totally wrong.

You are not their hero. You are not their savior. You learn that you are inadequate. Just walk alongside them. Just be with them. Sit there and encourage them. Eventually, when you look into their eyes and face, you see the eyes and face of Jesus.
_{- Fred, Supportive Friend at Sacred Settlement Prince of Peace}

Fred also quoted from Matthew 25:40: “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

You do it for Jesus.

And the ‘whatever you did’ can be a broad range, when it comes to Supportive Friendship. It might look like helping someone with their laundry, driving them to a health appointment, or gathering supplies for a special project.

Supportive Friends are just normal people who come alongside to be friends. We interact with our neighbors; not fix them.
_{- Fred, Supportive Friend at Sacred Settlement Prince of Peace}

But that may be a radical shift in perspective when working with the chronically homeless. “Training is provided,” Fred said reassuringly. “The training has helped a lot.”

Through this companionship, our neighbors coming off the streets learn to alleviate their anxieties with the truth: they are worthy individuals who are loved and appreciated.

When we engage with our formerly homeless neighbors as friends, we honor their humanity and make a lasting difference.

Are you interested in becoming a Supportive Friend? Let us know.