The Greatest Social Problem of Our Time
Jonathan Leeper’s life story is extraordinary because he’s overcome major obstacles to become one of the most compassionate, strong and inspiring people you will ever meet. Jonathan was born in Yokota, Japan as a result of being a military brat before moving to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. He spent 8 years in the navy, with his last tour in Port Hueneme, which is located in Ventura County, California.
Jonathan would become addicted to crack and end up homeless. While living underneath a freezing basement in North Carolina, and so his family wouldn’t have to see his dependency anymore, Jonathan moved back to California. At 45 years old he was still driven by his drug addiction, homeless, and hungry, but he didn’t want to beg for food. During a full-circle moment, he found his way to Ventura County.
Jonathan’s point of conversion to sobriety was when he got fed at Ventura County Rescue Mission. A woman director, in charge of 120 men’s beds, gave him the maternal healing and guidance he needed. The rescue mission never asked anything of him, but rather was more concerned about helping him. He was so grateful there was no judging his past and how the mission focused on the present physical moment. That was when Jonathan learned first hand how one person can influence someone’s life by modeling love.
Jonathan celebrated 12 years of sobriety in August and says the best drug of all is giving of himself to service the homeless and poor, the greatest social problem of our time. He now assists people who have a hard time with money, taking a shower, and with shelter at Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission. He’s become the community engagement specialist at the Los Angeles non-profit mission that provides food, shelter, clothing, and care to the hungry and homeless.
Jonathan can say with true sincerity that he loves his life now. He’s been married to Andrea Haines Leeper for the past 8 years and he has a son, Jonathan William Leeper who is now 31. He believes there’s nothing better than treating each other kindly, especially the homeless and poor. Jonathan is here today to remind us all there’s help in hope and there’s so much more good in the world than bad.
SHOW NOTE LINKS:
Rachel’s Essay- Homelessness Is More Than Less Homeness
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