I know what it’s like to be ashamed of your situation. Embarrassed by your circumstances. Down on your luck and desperate for a chance—any chance—to earn a living and provide for your family. Which is why I am drawn to helping the homeless. I know the brokenness and hopelessness many of them are feeling, and I know they deserve the chance and the help to get back on their feet.
If you watched season eight of American Idol, you may know a bit of my story. My journey on Idol began four weeks after the death of my wife, and high school sweetheart, Sophia. After she passed away, I felt hopeless for a long time. But I was reminded that hope was always in front of me, I just needed to find it.
My success led to a platform where I was able to establish Sophia’s Heart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families who have been affected by poverty, broken homes, and broken dreams. I started it because I wanted to remind people of their worth at a time when they are surrounded by situations that make them feel worthless.
Our organization is going through a transition now, but more than ever I’m committed to helping the homeless, which is why the ministry of Nashville Rescue Mission is so near and dear to me.
The Mission is stepping up and meeting the needs of men, women, and children, who are broken and in desperate need of help and hope. Simply by meeting their most basic needs with the love of Jesus, the Mission is reminding them they are important, even if they don’t feel it. When you help restore a person’s sense of value, it’s amazing how their willingness to dream also returns—they begin to hope for a better life, and believe they deserve one.
No one wants to be homeless. No one wants to need help. But these are people. People who need to feel valued and loved by others; who need to feel they have a place in the world. They need attention, direction and support, just as much as three meals and a place to sleep and I’m thankful for Nashville Rescue Mission stepping up to meet that challenge right here in our community. I invite you to join me in supporting them and their work.
BMG recording artist Danny Gokey became a favorite of millions of fans as a Top 3 finalist on Season Eight of American Idol. He has released four studio albums, including My Best Days, Hope in Front of Me, and Christmas Is Here.
His latest album, RISE, debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums Chart, number 9 on the Top Current Albums Chart, and number 32 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. Gokey is also the founder of Sophia’s Heart, an organization that provides hope and help to homeless families in crisis.
