Soul Stories: Meet Geoff
For the past few years, Geoff has started most of his mornings at Anchor Lancaster—with a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats, a hot cup of coffee, and a table full of his friends. “Sometimes I grab a muffin or a bagel,” he says. “But really, I come for the coffee and the cereal and to see my friends.”
Geoff found his way to Anchor in 2022 after someone told him about the breakfast program. At the time, he was living in his car. Before that, he had bounced around from place to place—he had stayed with an uncle, and for a while, he was sleeping at a bus stop. “The cops would check on me, and some local places offered me coffee or a breakfast sandwich,” he remembers. “It was always embarrassing though—not being able to pay for things.”
Geoff regularly relied on Anchor Lancaster’s shower and laundry services. Access to a clean shower and freshly washed clothes helps guests maintain a sense of dignity and routine, even in the midst of uncertainty. These simple but vital services play a significant role in helping guests like Geoff continue taking steps toward stability.
After spending time at several local shelters, Geoff finally has a place of his own. He said the process moved quickly, thanks to support from Anchor staff, the team at Tenfold, and the medical outreach workers. “Within a month, I got an apartment.”
Despite the hardship Geoff has faced over the years, he has held tightly to hope. “I pray a lot. I go to Trinity Church in the city. And I believe patience is a virtue,” he said. After a quiet pause, he smiled and added, “I knew this day would come.”
Even now, with keys in hand, Geoff still comes to Anchor for more than just breakfast. “I’ve made a lot of friends here. Being homeless, I’ve learned it’s important not to isolate. I’m a deep thinker—but I can’t just sit in my apartment all day. I have to get out and see people.”
When asked what he wishes people understood about homelessness, Geoff shared, “There’s a deep depression that can come with it. Some days are really hard.”
But he smiles when he talks about where he is now. “It hasn’t been easy. But I always stayed positive. I’m glad I have a place to stay now. I’m telling you, I knew this day would come.”
We’re grateful for stories like Geoff’s. With support from community partners like Anchor Lancaster, Tenfold, medical support outreach workers, and other local organizations, he was able to find a place to stay and get the support he needed to get back on his feet.
Thank you to everyone who supports Anchor Lancaster. Your generosity is making a difference in the lives of real people in our community. If you’d like to learn more about supporting the work we do, check out our website for ways you can get involved.