Leon: ‘I have a kind heart’

“I am a 39-year-old black male from Owensboro, Kentucky. I am divorced from a five-year marriage and have four children.

“I am a brother to two wonderful sisters and work a full-time job. I have become homeless because I put the care of my children above myself.

“Even though I haven’t been in my children’s life like I should, I still must say that my babies are my sole reason for life. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t feel my children’s pain, joy, tears, or love for their father. For that reason alone, they will always be my greatest life. 

“I want people to know that I have a kind heart, that I treat everyone with respect.

“Know that I am a man who works hard for what I want and need. I struggle like everyone else, but I get up every morning and put one foot in front of the other, even when I just want to give up.

“Staying here at St. Benedict’s has been trying but overall great. The best part is this place has a great group of men and women willing to listen and help anytime you need them.

“They push you — in a good way — to help you see what is keeping you from moving forward and willing to help you change it. If they can’t help, they get you to the people or organization that can. For me, the hardest thing was knowing that I was keeping myself from my happiness. 

“I have several goals in life here are just a few:

  1. Thank God everyday for giving me life. 
  2. Smile everyday
  3. Be a better father everyday.
  4. Become and stay stable for my babies and myself.

“I really just want to stay the humble man I have become and truly be happy.”