From gangster to outreach work

May 05, 2009

If you met Jemal Damtawe today, that last thing you'd think about this gentle, peaceful man is that he was once homeless and wrapped-up in drug-related gang webs that resulted in him being shot twice. Once trapped in a lifestyle he never intended, Jemal found a way out. Today he works as an Outreach worker at Union Gospel Mission, daily helping those struggling in the pain of life that he used to be much too acquainted with.
Since age 18, Jemal has been on the run: running from the memories of his role in an Ethiopian civil war, running from rival gangs in the state of Oregon, or running from his addiction.

Jemal's journey landed him on the Downtown Eastside with nothing - homeless and entrenched in addiction, having been abandoned by his wife and daughter in Montreal. With nowhere else to turn, he found a home-base at Union Gospel Mission's shelter.

The video below documents part of Jemal's journey, how UGM was able to play a vital role in helping Jemal find recovery.

What do you think? Be the first to comment below

Please note: We welcome all comments, from compliments to complaints. House rules: Be nice. Keep it clean. Stay on topic. No spam. Be advised that posts containing expletives or denigrations will not be displayed. Thanks!

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.

© 2009 Union Gospel Mission
Registered Canadian Charity
13190 2348 RR0001

616 E Cordova Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V6A 1L9 • 604.253.3323