Faith-Based Group in Kensington Reaches Homeless and Addicted People as Part of Seven-City Initiative

A faith-based group in Kensington is bringing hope to people experiencing homelessness who want a way out of addiction. The effort is part of an initiative spanning multiple states, and it aims to reach people struggling on the streets so they can leave them for good.

Robert Martez, who had just been released from jail, described the pull he felt to return to drug use. “I’m roaming the streets and I’m getting angry and I was thinking about using,” he said. Martez said he changed course after seeing a display at a festival called Jesus Week. “I came over here. A strong energy pulled me here and I got the ultimate high ever!”

The initiative operates in seven cities, where pastors and volunteers work together to help people who are homeless and those in the throes of addiction. Pastor Jazmin Molina, of the Radical Church of Philadelphia, said the group’s presence is meant to show people that help is available. “Us coming out here is just letting them realize that, you know, there is hope and there is deep care and people love you,” she said. “So, we’re coming out here to show you, through our actions cause that speaks louder than words.”

On Saturday, a bus took several people to Cincinnati, where a rehab center at a church offers job training and long-term help. Martez headed there on Sunday. Mike Adkins, with Hope Over America, said the program lasts 10 months and that a participant who chooses to stay would have a place to live for the rest of his life. Adkins took Martez to buy his ticket at the Greyhound station and said he would stay by Martez’s side until the bus left, a practical act of welcome that reflects care for a neighbor at a difficult moment (Matthew 25:35).

Not everyone leaving Kensington for the program is the only story. Others remain in the neighborhood but say they are ready to change their lives. Keane Rodriguez said the love and encouragement she has received has been miraculous, and she is convinced it is the push she needs to get clean and off the streets. “Everyone is numb to this. This is not normal. It’s horrible. It’s not a way to live.”

Keane also spoke about the value of being affirmed. “Like being told that they’re beautiful when they don’t feel beautiful. Somebody telling them that they’re enough? You know people don’t hear that enough. People aren’t nice enough anymore,” she said.

Pastor Luis Centeno, of Barnabas Transformation Church, described the impact of being loved without reservation. “When you sense the love that hits your heart? You can’t turn away from that,” he said. The pastors and volunteers hope more people will accept the love and help being offered so they can get off the streets for good.

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