Have you ever felt like throwing up your hands in frustration? Sometimes it can feel like “nothing” is working or “everything” is against you. Each of us has strengths. Even if the odds are truly against us, there are actions we can take.
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services has declared a winter shelter warning for Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 4 pm until Thursday, January 14, 2025, at 9 am. Call 211 (available 24/7) or 443-984-9540 to connect with shelter. Get more info here.
05.02.19
Paint, sculpture, pastel—you name it. Ron Williams uses them all to express himself and relate to others. “God gave me this talent to help me make it in this world,” he says.
Homelessness nearly ruined his love of art. He had no private place to make art. People stole his work, cheated him and gave him false hope. “It took a lot away from who I am and what my art stands for,” Ron says. “I couldn’t do art for people because I couldn’t tolerate them.”
With the help of a few therapists at Health Care for the Homeless, Ron learned to set healthy boundaries and found the courage to reconnect with people and continue sharing his gift.
One of the ways he does this is through our spring Client Art Show. At his first show, he dropped off an oil painting. The next day, a fellow artist approached Ron with exciting news. “Man, you should have been here. They were going crazy over your painting! Everybody’s looking for you.’”
Now, Ron comes to every art show. He confidently represents his art and talks with folks like you. “When I see my art making somebody happy, that’s when I’m happy,” he says. “And now, art helps me, too. If there’s something I don’t want to talk about, I can do a painting and it starts the conversation.”
And these days, there’s an important part of his healing that Ron can’t wait to talk about.
“I finally have my own house,” he says with a smile. “It’s a blessing to get to turn that key and go into my space. All my clothes are here, my kitchen, my living room, my own studio. Just to be able to say I’m going home… I’m at a loss for words.”
Enjoy Ron’s masterpieces (created in the comfort of his home) and other work from our Client Art Show here.
Have you ever felt like throwing up your hands in frustration? Sometimes it can feel like “nothing” is working or “everything” is against you. Each of us has strengths. Even if the odds are truly against us, there are actions we can take.
Send one email today to advocate for housing that serves all Marylanders. Let Governor Moore know that more permanent supportive housing is a good thing—and urge him to stay the course.
At our annual staff holiday party, we take time to honor and celebrate staff members who best represent our Core Values and one HCH-er at Heart.
Larrice is a mother, grandmother, teacher, cook and storyteller who was recently featured in our original documentary, “Taking Care: Portraits from Baltimore.”