A Real-Life Hero: Sam Tsemberis

It has been my experience that one can never fully anticipate the impact of a new undertaking at its outset, and working on this Heroes and She-roes blog series has certainly borne that notion out.  I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to reflect upon people making great and small differences in the world, and have encountered so many stories that I would not have otherwise!

None of these newly discovered heroes has moved me more than Sam Tsemberis.  Dr. Tsemberis is a psychologist by training, and happened unexpectedly into a role working with homeless individuals.  His research, and the models developed from it, have been the basis of the most successful programs for ending chronic homelessness in the United States.

Meet the Outsider Who Accidentally Solved Chronic Homelessness (Washington Post - Inspired Life)

Reading this piece about him and his work from the Washington Post, I cannot help but wonder how many other difficulties we as a society could help ameliorate if we would only take the approach of treating people with respect and dignity, irrespective of their behaviors or circumstances.

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