In this audio essay, the sociologist Matthew Desmond interviews a resident of the Water Street Mission shelter in Lancaster, Pa., about what makes it so unique.
“Here’s a place that is treating people in their full humanity,” Mr. Desmond says.
“It’s looking past their hardships, past their addictions, past their homelessness to see people’s promise, to see people’s beauty.
And wouldn’t it be amazing if that was the norm instead of the exception.”Below is a lightly edited transcript of the interview.
To listen to this piece, select the play button below.
Persons:
Matthew Desmond, ” Mr, Desmond, “
Locations:
Lancaster, Pa