As part of National Public Health Week, the School of Public and Population Health (SPPH) hosted a powerful Community Voices Panel on campus, in partnership with Galveston Housing Plus (GH+). The event brought together UTMB students, faculty, staff, Grace Clinic volunteers, and community members to hear directly from individuals who have experienced homelessness and are now rebuilding their lives through David's House—a transitional housing community rooted in compassion, dignity, and renewal.

Real People, Real Stories

Residents of David’s House took the mic to share honest, deeply personal accounts of their journeys—from life before losing stable housing to the stark realities of living unhoused, and now, to the stability they’re beginning to build.

One panelist, a former accountant, described the unraveling of her life after job loss. She began driving for a rideshare company, leasing a vehicle through the platform. Although she worked full-time, her earnings went entirely toward paying off the car, leaving her with no real income. On paper, however, she appeared employed, disqualifying her from receiving the social benefits she desperately needed. She later recounted being hit by a truck and receiving hospital treatment—only to be escorted out by police just hours later, still without a place to go.

Another resident, now 61 years old, shared how he lost 80% of the blood circulation in his leg, underwent surgery, and was discharged just days later despite having insurance. He now takes eight prescribed medications daily and is working hard to manage his health.

The Harsh Reality of Street Life

Panelists described the brutal physical and emotional toll of being unhoused—sleeping in the rain and cold, constantly facing judgment, and simply struggling to stay alive. One individual spoke about suffering severe infections due to a lack of hygiene facilities and consistent care. Another remarked, “In Galveston, you can actually be jailed for being homeless,” drawing attention to how systemic responses often criminalize, rather than support, people in crisis.

Despite the hardship, panelists showed extraordinary resilience and clarity about the power structures that shaped their experiences. Many spoke about the prejudice they encountered in healthcare settings and the lasting impact of being treated as invisible or less than.

Grace in the Community

In contrast, several residents shared their positive experiences at Grace Clinic, which operates Thursday mornings through a partnership between Galveston Central Church, UTMB, and St. Vincent’s House. Panelists expressed gratitude for the compassion and dignity extended to them there. One recalled how volunteers washed people’s feet, drawing a powerful connection to the humility and love embodied in the Biblical story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet.

Dignity, Stability, and a Fresh Start

The atmosphere shifted when panelists began sharing what life is like now at David’s House. Residents spoke with emotion about having a private space—complete with a new shower, refrigerator, microwave, and sofa. Not second-hand. Not temporary. The kind of space that offers peace, comfort, and the chance to feel human again.

David’s House is not a shelter. It’s a community that provides residents with time, space, and support to heal. With access to trauma-informed counseling, licensed case managers, and structured learning opportunities, residents are focusing on their health, setting goals, and reestablishing their sense of purpose. Many also shared how their spiritual lives have deepened since arriving, expressing gratitude to God and the Galveston Central Church community. “I’ve never been around so many people who loved me,” one resident said.

Honoring David

The program’s name comes from David, a man who died after battling intestinal issues while unhoused. He was around 6'3" and weighed just 70 pounds at the time of his death. Those around him bathed him, cleaned him, and cared for him as best they could. His preventable death became the catalyst for what would become David’s House—ensuring others wouldn’t be left without care or community in their time of greatest need.

Beyond Shelter: A Model of Care, Compassion, and Renewal

David’s House was built with a mission to create a transitional housing community where dignity is restored and lives can be renewed. The program includes:

• Sabbatical time to allow emotional and psychological healing through trauma-informed counseling
• Individualized case management, including access to licensed clinical social workers and chemical dependency counselors
• Competency building in life and job-readiness skills through creative community partnerships
• Training and employment opportunities to support long-term stability and self-sufficiency

As Executive Director Lee Norton, himself a survivor of homelessness, explained during the panel: “Even though I’m a big guy, it was still terrifying.” His leadership and the voices of current residents serve as powerful reminders that the solutions to homelessness must be rooted in empathy and systems that uplift those willing to do the hard work of starting again.

“This program is a way forward,” one panelist said. “It’s for people who are ready to work, ready to change, and just need someone to believe in them.”

Help Build the Future: GH+ Fundraiser This Friday

Galveston Housing Plus is hosting a fundraiser to support its transitional housing efforts and expand services that empower individuals to exit homelessness and begin a new chapter.

April Showers Bring May Flowers
🗓️ Friday, April 11, 2025
🕕 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 301 Postoffice Street, Galveston, TX
🌐 RSVP at ghplus.org/events/fundraiser

Help create a Galveston where every person has a path to a safe, supported, and empowered future.