For John Rushameza, being a life coach and directing the day shelter for our Emergency Shelter guests at isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Each morning, he prepares for the day with worship music or scripture, centering his heart before stepping into his role. “My goal—I hope, though I don’t always succeed—is to wake up early and do devotions before I even get in the car,” he shares.

His day begins with picking up two essential tools: a laptop and a radio. From there, it’s all about connection. “Being a life coach is pretty much a mixture of a discipler and a companion. We just come in and do life with them on a daily basis,” John explains. Whether he’s welcoming guests at the shelter or sitting with them in conversation, he aims to meet people where they are, guiding them with patience and faith.

Each person he works with has a different story, and John approaches them as individuals. “We don’t have a one-size-fits-all model. We meet people where they are and work with them according to their needs,” he explains. His job isn’t about fixing people—it’s about walking alongside them. “It’s a lot of just hanging out, speaking to people, getting to know them, listening, and encouraging them.”

After a day of listening, guiding, and sharing the love of Christ, John takes a deep breath, thanks God, and heads home. “It’s impossible to leave it completely at work—you can’t just forget people. But we do our best, and we trust God to do the rest.” Our staff do incredible, heart-centered work every day, and it’s because of generous supporters like you that they can continue serving with love and dedication. Thank you for giving, praying, and encouraging the staff who walk alongside the men and women at Water Street.