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An interview of Mr. Carl Washington, by Samuel Enos, Deputy Director, Manna House Inc.

How many years did you spend on the street, Mr. Washington?

Actually the street, we spent 8 years on the streets of Baltimore.

What started it all, what sent you to the street in the first place?

Well, let me think back. Mahalia and I we both had a drinking and drug problems. At the time we had two children, we decided to get clean, but they took the children from us and gave them to Mahalia’s sister. We dropped down and could not pay the bills. We lost the house and stayed with a couple of people. Nobody wanted to help us because of the drugs. We stayed at Oasis and “Cold Blue”, and got high all day. Some shelters would not take Mahalia’s wheelchair. We slept outside in garages, on porches. We often slept outside Manna house, on the ramp with the rats. We frequented the Franciscan Center, dreading Decembers (Winter Time) looking forward to March. A lot of shelters were not open during the summer. Hearts place also helped us. There was always the police always after me. I got locked up many times. I was raised up in church and my father was a Minister. We suffered a lot. Mahalia was getting sicker, so In February 2008 I decided to stop it all. On February 7^th if I thought if wanted to save my wife’s life , I can only do so by showing an example. My youngest son helped me because he got a house and we stayed over there. We felt redeemed.

What were some of the worst experiences you had on the street?

The worst experience was one night in a vacant house at 3 a.m. in the morning. Some six men into the house attacked us. They threw the wheelchair out of the window and I tied Mahalia to my back. I battled my way back to the first floor. They wanted to kill us. Another event took place on a Sunday. Sundays are the worst days when youre on the streets. We found an empty van and slept in it, but this particular Sunday we were drunk and went into the van. Some people turned the van over with us in it. They Called the police they did not arrest us but, the people were going crazy, I had to protect Mahalia. We were outcasts. We called our selves the uninvited. Our family did not invite us for any family gathering.

You have a new life now, what changed it all?

Jesus! He changed it all.

What role did Manna House play in your life, while on the street?

Manna House was the main sanctuary. everything revolved around coming to the Manna house. It was not always about the breakfast, but about friendships. . Ms. Lillian took to us like family and always had our back. Manna house was the center of our life, our address. My old ID had 435 E. 25^th Street. It was like home without a house. In the evening when Manna House closed down we always felt sad. There was always somebody there to help. Saleem said that he knew there was something better in me. We had been together, and after 17 years we got married, he helped us get over. I got prostate cancer 8.5 PSA, 2^nd stage. I was scared.

How did Manna House contribute to help you restructure your life?

I was referred to treatment and go took the cancer out of my body. Manna House helped with getting my ID, I was helped to get food stamps though the sail program at Manna House. Manna House helps with shower, Clothing and words of encouragement. Things I already knew to be to be true, but I had to hear them from others. They gave me the courage.

What kind of advice would you give to other clients, staff of Manna house, donors?

To the Clients: Be committed to what you want and life. There are resources out there to help you be sincere. Turn your life over to Christ seek ye first to kingdom.

To the Staff of Manna House: Be patient with the clients, I got on the nerves of many people. The homeless have our attitude because everybody looks down on us. Your staff has to be extra patient and compassionate. You all have feelings too but too but you have to put your feeling aside and be dedicated.

Donors: I am a prime example that the support you give works. If you have a 100 sheep and one got lost, it’s a blessing to retrieve that one. That’s where the blessing comes in.

Carl and Mahalia are now married, housed, sober and live in West Baltimore with their 3 grandchildren.  Learn more about Manna House here.  This article originally appeared in Manna House's newsletter.