“This Isn’t Where I Thought I’d Be at 66”: Ken’s Story

At our most recent Phoenix distribution, we met Ken—a soft-spoken 66-year-old man whose story reminded us how quickly stability can disappear.

Ken is originally from Oregon but moved to Arizona decades ago in search of better opportunity. For years, he got by living in a modest apartment, relying on Social Security and part-time work to make ends meet. Life wasn’t perfect—but it was steady.

Then everything changed.

His landlord sold the building, and Ken was given just two months to vacate before it was set to be demolished. With rent prices soaring and no affordable housing options available, he lost the place he had called home. Shortly after, he lost his job too.

Now, with no family in Arizona and no safety net to fall back on, Ken has been navigating life on the streets.

He looked at us during our conversation and said, “This isn’t where I thought I’d be at 66.”

But he is.

And that’s why we are too.

We show up not just with care packages and meals—but with time, empathy, and the willingness to listen. Ken’s story, like so many others, isn’t about poor choices. It’s about a system that often fails to catch people when they fall.

We’re honored to have met Ken—and to be able to share his story as a reminder that compassion is just as essential as any resource we distribute.