David Ware

Setting High Standards

The men's shelter manager at Friends of the Homeless since 2005, David characterized his job as "a divine assignment." He manages the men's shelter four nights a week and also works one day. Previously a substance abuse counselor at Providence Hospital, Dave was contacted by Bill Miller to take the job at FOH. According to Bill, Dave's many years of experience working with clients with substance abuse and mental health problems have made him a tremendous asset. "Dave has great empathy for the shelter guests, but he also has high expectations. He sees his clients as peers or equals, and thus expects them to be successful."

Dave demonstrates genuine compassion for the individuals he serves. He takes his mission to serve the homeless from Matthew 25:40, where God says, "As much as you have done for the least of those, you have done for me." Dave can think of no better place to be of service. He said, "I am 'from the streets,' I have a history of my own substance abuse, I have been a substance abuse counselor, and I am a minister (associate minister at St. John's Congregational Church)." He said, "Your environment speaks to you. If it's clean, you take better care of yourself." Dave first set an example for his clients by sweeping, raking and picking up trash. Soon, clients came to him and were easily enlisted to take responsibility for cleanup.

Dave said, "These individuals are very needy. They come to us with a lot of frustration, anger, disappointment and hopelessness." He identifies with his clients, saying, "I was never homeless, but it's only because I was lucky enough to have a supportive family." David believes the shelter is "going in the right direction," providing a clean, safe and dignified environment and tools to get people's lives back on track. "This is not an easy job, but you can't beat helping people, especially when some of them come back and thank you for it." Dave has been very instrumental in turning around the quality of life in the men's shelter. He said, "I enjoy this work. I feel really good about it."