At The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Los Angeles, we often receive heartfelt testimonials from our members, known as Vincentians, who are deeply committed to serving those in need. Today, we’re honored to share a moving account from Lynn McCormick, a fellow Vincentian, who offers a glimpse into her personal experience with homelessness through the lens of her faith.
A Vincentian’s Testimonial: The Call to Serve
Why would anyone wake up before dawn, layer up against the cold, and walk through unfamiliar neighborhoods? For Lynn McCormick, a dedicated Vincentian, it is simple: to see Jesus.
Lynn recently participated in the city of Long Beach’s Homeless Count, an annual event that sheds light on the number of people experiencing homelessness in the area. For Lynn, this small sacrifice is a profound way to live out her Vincentian vocation. As a member of Vincentian Services, she is committed to “seek and find the forgotten or the marginalized to show them love.” This mission drives her to go into the roughest, darkest, and sometimes dirtiest places, knowing that in doing so, she is encountering Our Lord.
During the Homeless Count, Lynn felt the Holy Spirit guiding her as she and her team “found” people who had taken shelter in makeshift homes, battered tents, or sometimes just a thin covering on the ground. Witnessing such suffering firsthand is heartbreaking, but for Lynn, it is also a calling—a “God thing” and a “Vincentian thing.”
Every year, Lynn participates in this count, not for recognition, but because she wants to connect with as many homeless individuals as possible. Her goal is to offer them hope, to let them know that they are not forgotten, that someone cares about them.
Her team, fueled by several cups of coffee, carefully canvassed their assigned area. They went down every alley, checked every dark corner, and investigated every vehicle that looked like someone might be living inside. Armed with an online app to collect data, they also brought water, toiletries, and food gift cards to hand out. The gratitude from those they encountered was humbling.
Among the people Lynn met were a couple living in an abandoned parking lot, victims of job loss due to COVID-19 … she also encountered a kind and gentle man who became homeless due to a physical disability, and a veteran in his late 40s who was struggling with drug and mental health issues. The most heart-wrenching encounter was with a woman sitting on the ground, wrapped in a blanket with a nickel in her hand, who refused any help and simply wanted the team to leave. They documented her as part of the count and left supplies behind, hoping they might bring some comfort.
These experiences reinforce how critical the work of Vincentians is. Being unhoused, Lynn believes, is the lowest form of human existence. The difference Vincentians can make, especially for those on the brink of eviction or homelessness, is profound. It is important for our benefactors to know that their donations are literally saving lives.
For the city, the goal of the Homeless Count is to understand the scale of homelessness and allocate resources to help. For Lynn, the goal is to find Jesus in the poor, to offer them empathy, and to restore hope. Being a Vincentian has transformed her life. Each Vincentian plays a different role, but all share the mission of finding Jesus in the poor. Lynn just happens to do it at 4 am, with a cup of coffee in hand.
About Vincentian Services
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s Vincentian Services are rooted in the teachings of St. Vincent de Paul, focusing on serving the poor and vulnerable with compassion and dignity. Vincentians are lay members who dedicate themselves to offering direct aid to those in need, promoting social justice, and fostering spiritual growth. Whether through home visits, food assistance, or participating in initiatives like the Homeless Count, Vincentians strive to make a positive impact in their communities.
If Lynn’s story has inspired you, consider joining Vincentian Services at your parish or becoming a volunteer with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Together, we can bring hope and dignity to those who need it most. To learn more and get involved, visit Serve with a Conference of Charity. Your compassion can make a world of difference.
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