Stories/Belong Week: Henry’s Story

It’s been a minute since our last blog, so a quick apology for the quiet spell. The new fiscal year kicked off, we’ve been navigating some funding delays, and, well, I took a much needed break at the end of July. Life’s been full, and finding fresh content hasn’t been easy. But God’s timing is always perfect, and we’re back with a story that’ll remind you why we keep showing up to help our neighbors live, work, and belong. This a mix between Belong Week and Stories Week, and we’re glad to share today about Henry Crandell, a neighbor who’s found both hope and family through KCB.

Henry’s been part of the KCB circle for about five years, ever since his late friend Tee told him about us. Back then, he was grinding at a car dealership, detailing cars by day and sleeping in one at night. But his life wasn’t always like that. Henry grew up in Downey, then spent 20 years in Anaheim. He was the self proclaimed black sheep of his family.. a single dad at 21, pouring everything into raising his daughter. But when his mom passed from Alzheimer’s, things fell apart. His daughter had just gotten engaged and moved out, and in the same week, his brother inherited the family home, sold it, and kicked Henry out. “I cried and cried when my mom died,” Henry shared. “I didn’t know anything about being homeless. I didn’t think I’d ever become one.”

The streets were brutal. Henry kept detailing cars on the side, but it wasn’t enough. He faced danger, like the time he was threatened at knifepoint in the riverbed. The stress of his situation and also peer pressure dragged him into drugs for a bit, and he almost lost himself chasing something empty. But Henry’s heart, shaped by his parents’ solid upbringing, kept him pushing forward. “My mom and dad gave me a good upbringing. I was very blessed,” he said. Even with nothing, Henry’s the kind of guy who still gives.. always has, always will.

When Tee told Henry about KCB, it changed everything. “I didn’t know programs like KCB existed,” he said. We stepped in and got him off the streets and into the Bellflower shelter. “I’m forever grateful for that,” Henry told me, his voice full of heart. He’s been in and out of the shelter since, but he’s got that bounce-back spirit. “I’m content with my life,” he said, “but I know I gotta put my big boy pants on and move on.”

Belonging is personal for Henry. “I see the word family,” he said, his voice heavy. “I have no more real family, man. They’re all dead, except the one that kicked me out.” His brother took the inheritance, bought a Harley, paid off his house, and retired early, leaving Henry to fight for his share in court. But Henry’s not stuck in bitterness. He’s got a spark, a love for life that shines through. “I’m 46, and I love life now,” he grinned, flashing all his teeth (yep, still got ‘em, he laughed).

At KCB, Henry’s found a new kind of family. “Javvy and George always come out and say hi to me. I appreciate them a lot,” he said. Those small moments.. someone calling your name, someone joking around with you, seeing you.. mean the world. “KCB is a good group of people. I don’t know where I’d be without them.” That’s belonging.. a community that pulls you in, lifts you up, and reminds you you’re not alone.

Henry’s not stopping here. He’s got dreams and the hustle to chase them. “I’m good with my hands,” he said. “I’ve thought about being a barber.” He’s also hoping to join Good Soil Industries to turn his skills into a career. After our chat, we signed him up for Intensive Case Management Services (ICMS), and the gratitude in his eyes was undeniable. We prayed together, asking God to open doors, and Henry’s holding onto hope. “I’m so grateful,” he said, and we’re believing with him that things are about to look up.

Henry’s story hit me.. and it reminded me of why I do what I do. For a lot of people, KCB is the family that shows up. Helping neighbors like Henry find their footing is what it’s all about. He’s proof that even when life breaks you down, God can and will rebuild you through community if you allow Him to.

I want to take this time to ask you to keep Henry in your prayers.. for his dreams, his fight, and his place in this family. Let’s also pray for KCB, for GSI, for the Community Center, and for every neighbor who needs to know they belong. Your support.. your prayers, your giving, your showing up.. makes stories like Henry’s possible. It’s the Holy Spirit at work.. and we get to be an active part of that.

Henry, we see you, and we’re rooting for you!

Until next time...