Meet the Board
- This month Rudy Rivera
My relationship with REACH began in the Spring of 2019. After meeting Peter, it became apparent we both had a deep passion for dignity and fairness. The way he spoke about the conditions faced by people who were homeless inspired me to get more involved with this segment of our community. The work of serving the homeless population compounded by challenges of drug addiction on Clinton Avenue was important to my relationship with REACH.
The homeless community has a right to be treated with DIGNITY, RESPECT and LOVE. These are the core values of the Fr. Laurence (Larry) Tracy Advocacy Center, Inc. and my own. It became clear that Peter and I shared a common mission of uplifting people to their fullest potential which included housing with dignity.
I believe REACH serves a vital role in reminding all of us that housing is a human right and not just a necessity nor a luxury. Those who have a bed to sleep in every night should challenge themselves to ensure others have the same comfort and joy….a home of my own, a place to rest and place to share with friends and family. The things we sometimes take for granted.
I have joined to serve REACH, its advocacy and work to improve quality of life for our brothers and sisters who are marginalized and forgotten by virtue of their housing status.
I hope my contribution to REACH will be to raise the “voice” of the homeless community. And, to serve alongside others who have the same compassion and love for those who are “invisible” amongst us and cannot be without advocates.
To keep their “stories” before the public.
To challenge service providers and governmental structures through public advocacy to create systemic change.
To never stop serving as the “messengers” on behalf of the people we love.
Rudy Rivera