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This is the final installment in our Hope Is a Small Rebellion series.
Over the past several weeks, we’ve shared stories about the quiet, often unseen acts of care that happen every day at EChO. Small rebellions that may appear ordinary on the surface, yet carry profound impact across our community and for the people and families we serve.
Today’s story is different.
It is deeply personal. A story of hope, dignity, and care in one individual’s life. Shared with permission, it offers a powerful reminder that the small rebellions we practice together can bring true hope in ways we do not expect.
I asked our Shelter Manager, Tim Clancy, to share this story with you.
A Strawberry Milkshake is a Small Rebellion
Every year, EChO has operated the EChO Shelter, at least one of our Guests has spent part of the last year of their life at the Shelter. We’ve never known at the time who or when, but we do know all life is fragile and uncertain, and especially for those experiencing homelessness.
Let me tell you about Hope in the form of a Strawberry Milkshake.
Let me tell you about James, a Guest who stayed at the Shelter last year.
James came to the EChO Shelter in October, living in his car, struggling in his faith, and searching for any reason to hang on. James stayed at the Shelter every night for five months, and every morning he left the Shelter to his car during the day.
One night, James came to the Shelter and let us know he had just been told by his doctor that he had 3-6 months to live.
The dedicated EChO Case Management team worked diligently to find and connect James to Rocky Mountain Refuge (RMR), a special facility providing hospice, housing, and 24-hour care for homeless persons in their last months of life.
James moved into RMR a week later. But it wasn’t goodbye,
it was just EChO care in a different place and a different way.
EChO staff and volunteers visited James at RMR each week.
In fact, it is one of the unique features of the EChO model – often called “wraparound case management services.”
EChO Case Managers work continually with many of our clients, often on a weekly basis. This case work relationship often continues for many years, even after clients move to more stable housing.
When James asked for some of his favorite foods, we brought Chicken-fried Steak from Cactus Jack’s, Chicken Quesadillas from The Woodceller, and when James developed difficulty chewing and swallowing, we brought his favorite
-- Strawberry Milkshakes from every ice cream shop around.
Over meals, conversations, prayers, laughter and tears, and many milkshakes, James talked about his life, his work, and his homelessness. He talked about the friendships he developed with other Shelter Guests, EChO staff, and volunteers.
And he talked about finding hope.
Not hope that he would recover and live longer.
But simply hope in the time remaining.
Hope in having made a difference in the lives of others.
Hope that EChO and RMR would continue to make a difference for many others in difficult times.
After two months at RMR, James passed away peacefully.
But in those two months, James reconciled with his life and impending death. James had found Hope.
In James’s case, a visit, conversation, a caring touch, a meal, and a strawberry milkshake is a Small Rebellion -
- A rebellion against homelessness
- A rebellion against hopelessness
- A rebellion against dying alone
Hope is a small rebellion.
And together, EChO Staff, Volunteers, Donors, and Clients,
we keep choosing it – even when facing death and beyond.
That is exactly what our Rebels of Hope mid-year campaign is all about.
We are inviting our community to continue this work with us.
To help sustain the countless small rebellions that happen every day across EChO.
Become a Rebel of Hope today.
Whether you step forward as one of our 100 Rebels of Hope with a leadership gift of $2,500, or give at a level that is meaningful to you, your generosity extends hope to the community.
Hope - the ultimate “wraparound service.”
Become a Rebel of Hope→
With gratitude,
Tim Clancy, EChO Shelter Manager
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