March 2023 Spotlight
Meet Kaelan
Street Patrol facilitates a mentoring program on site at the St. Louis City Juvenile Detention Center dating back to 2017. We were introduced to the man that could make things happen and he has been a loyal supporter ever since. Meet Kaelan as he tells us why he supports Street Patrol.
Would you mind sharing your passion to volunteer & assist others?
"The importance of community has been instilled in me since an adolescent by my mother. For as long as I can remember I have been volunteering and giving back to those in need. I remember being 6 years old delivering turkeys on Thanksgiving Day with the Demetrious Johnson Charitable Foundation. I have always felt that if I can help, I should help. So, I do. When it comes to the unhoused community, I’m wise enough to know that it’s poor circumstances not poor decisions that result in a lot of people being unhoused, and I know that if I were a part of that community, I’d hope that somebody would extend their hand to help me instead of walking past as if I’m nonexistent. That’s why I volunteer."
How and why do you support Street Patrol?
"I support Street Patrol because it’s a great organization that champions a great cause. And it gives me the opportunity to collaborate with people who genuinely care about the community and the people that reside in them. I’ve helped Street Patrol by serving as a volunteer on Monday nights when the founder of the organization, K-D., and other volunteers hit the streets of St. Louis to supply the unhoused community with necessities."
What would you say to someone who supports Street Patrol?
"I would tell someone who supports Street Patrol, 'Thank you!' Whether they have given time, money, supplies or anything else that benefits those the organization serves, it has helped someone in need and allowed Street Patrol to continue its mission of giving aid and comfort to people in need.
I would like to leave the readers with a quote I came across a while ago, 'there is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.' And today, right now, is the perfect time to start reaching down and lifting people up."
February 2023 Spotlight
Street Patrol has been building relationships with the unhoused community for 9 years. Meet Ret, one of our guitar playing patrons, as he explains what Street Patrol means to him.
Would you mind sharing any situation/life circumstance that led you to meeting Street Patrol?
"I met Street Patrol while I was homeless, living in a vacant warehouse downtown. [I was] going through life's changes, on the rebound [due to] coming home from prison and needing help, aid, and assistance. [I was] losing family, friends, and loved ones [as] hard times were a daily part of living on these streets, through harsh winters and long hot summers. [But] thank God."
What did the support from Street Patrol mean to you?
"When K-D. Cutts and the rest showed up, I received reprieve; help abundantly and [the] spirit of family and friends. They showed up faithfully. And sincerity is a staple and bond that can't be broken, as far as I'm concerned. I'm sure countless more will agree. I am grateful and appreciative of them and very proud of the work they do and how much they care. May God continually bless them on their journey and more and more support and donations come their way. All my love and support to [these] selfless and kind people, my sister and brothers from another mother."
Are there any additional details you want to share?
"[I have known Street Patrol for] 2 years. [They are] very laid back and serious about their work and effort they put into it. It's like a family [because] they go out of their way to accommodate people in the community. I love them, no BS…inspirational, real motivated, no games, integrity, [they] push you, and followed up, never left me hanging.
My first encounter with Street Patrol was and still is one of the best experiences I've had in the last 2 years."
...not everyone has a happy ending
Although Ret has found stable housing, not everyone has a happy ending. We lost another one of beloved patrons on November 30, 2022. We served Rudy for more than 4 years. He was very funny and respectable, and he will be missed dearly.
If you can volunteer your time, we welcome it. Contact us…