March 2022: Hell’s Kitchen Tough

On July 18th 2021, when Chris (advocate, pastor) launched One Community Church in Hell's Kitchen. He asked Evan (partner) to be part of the leadership team. This enabled Evan to develop long-term relationships which are rooted within a vibrant church community.

Chris says, “He’s one of my best friends and I can’t imagine what the church would be like without him. He makes everyone feel welcomed as a greeter at the church, he claps after every song, and he has a huge heart for helping people.”

Evan and Chris with a group of friends from One Community Church

Chris has created opportunities for Evan to learn new skills. Evan is learning how to travel on his own so he can attend leadership meetings, he learned how to kayak at a church retreat, and recently, Chris helped Evan get his first smartphone.

Evan said, “The best part [about having a cell phone] is being able to stay in touch with my friends. When I need something or want to see a friend, I can call them.” 

Despite all that Chris has done for Evan he focuses on Evan's gifts and what he does for the community. Chris says, "Hell’s Kitchen people are known as tough, hard-working people. It’s representative of people in the community... like Evan."

#HellsKitchenTough

Chris and Evan bond over a shared passion for community outreach. During COVID, Evan led a community renewal project, bringing together dozens of people through the local police precinct and their local church to clean up graffiti and litter.

Evan says, “We’re trying to keep the neighborhood clean and safe. We made it better by working together.”

Another project that happened during COVID was when they handed out free masks to neighbors that read #HellsKitchenTough.

Evan (left) leading a community outreach to clean up graffiti