The Hundred Story Home: A Memoir about Finding Faith in Ourselves and Something Bigger

This touching debut from Izard shares the story of the creation of the Homeless to Homes program at the Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte, N.C. “Where are the beds?” formerly homeless writer Denver Moore asked Izard in 2007 while they were working in a soup kitchen, a question that stirred a calling in the author. Izard tells of how she quit her job as a graphic designer to start the Homeless to Homes program to help serve Charlotte’s homeless, introducing readers to members of the “invisible” community who become friends and family to her, among them Ruth, who finally can get some medical attention; Raymond, who rejoices in having his own Christmas tree; and Chilly Willy, whose erratic behavior prevents his participation in the program. Alongside the story of the program, Izard explores how her experiences shifted her faith. Although she believes she hears voices encouraging her, Izard is reluctant to admit she has received a calling. But when she finds herself struggling to secure funding and to convince neighbors to back the project, some lucky coincidences (which she later defines as “God-instances”) begin to sway her faith and make her reconsider the voices in her head. Izard’s inspiring story is a seamless blending of personal memories and information about her project to help the homeless. (June)