The Story of Robert Kirkland
O.U.R.M. Men’s Division Resident

Life on the streets was hard for Robert, as it is for thousands in Central Florida. In 2006 alone, there were 122 attacks and 20 murders of America’s homeless. A staggering 35% of those attacks and murders took place in Florida. More and more, we are seeing startling headlines scattered throughout our local and national media— Spokane, WA- “Two Accused of Setting Wheelchair Bound Homeless Man on Fire,” Nashville, TN- “Police Search for Homeless Woman After Two Men Push Her in River,” Orlando, FL- “Boy, 10, Sentenced in Beating of Homeless Man.” Today’s homeless have more elements to beware of than intense weather and insatiable hunger. Vulnerable men and women are being brutally beaten, raped, and even murdered while trying to survive life on the streets. Your support provides safe refuge and a brighter future.

At the age of 64, Robert found himself homeless, living behind a dumpster near a well-traveled venue in Orlando. You may have passed by this dumpster several times without noticing the man living behind it. The stench of garbage and the constant noise of passing traffic was Robert’s home for two years. Because of his addiction, he spent many nights there drunk and drugged -- yet he was bothering no one.

On August 9, 2007, all seemed normal as Robert went to sleep. It was another night spent in solitude, another night homeless on the streets of Orlando. Little did Robert know, this was the night that God had chosen to get his attention. Very early in the morning, two middle-aged men found Robert sleeping behind the dumpster and brutally beat him over the head with a broomstick. The men ransacked Robert’s belongings and stole the little money that he had to his name.

Left to die, Robert managed to make his way to a pay phone and call the police. Robert was taken to a local hospital for intense care and treatment of his serious head wounds. This incident was all it took for Robert to realize that this was not what God had planned for his life. Robert knew he could not continue living on the streets, so he sought aid and upon his release from the hospital went to the Orlando Union Rescue Mission.

“I came to the Mission needing safety, food, clothes and companionship,” Robert recalls. Within a week of coming to the Mission, he was taught about how the blood of Christ has the power to wash away anything he may have done in the past and would also give him hope for a brighter future. Today, the void that was once filled with drugs and alcohol is now filled with Jesus Christ.

God spared Robert’s life and allowed him to regain his footing at the Mission. Today, Robert has his own apartment and enjoys his safe, self-sufficient lifestyle.