Called to Serve

Resurrection House Operations Manager Joe Lucero knows first-hand what it’s like to be hungry and homeless. He had those experiences during his childhood. Now, at age 82, he’s helping others who are facing similar challenges.

“I felt like I had to pay it forward,” Joe said. “This isn’t a job to me. It’s a calling. I can’t get here fast enough in the morning.”

Actually, it wasn’t a job for Joe at first. He started at Resurrection House as a volunteer, becoming the Volunteer Coordinator after three years, and now serving as Operations Manager.

Even before he became a staff member, Joe started making improvements. He initiated the idea of police presence at Resurrection House as soon as he started volunteering. Since then, he has advocated for other positive changes and impacted the lives of hundreds of our clients.

“Living on the streets can be hard and scary. We give our clients ‘a soft place to land’ each day. A place where they know they can receive daily living essentials like meals, showers, restrooms or clean clothes – things that most of us take for granted,” he said.

Joe places the highest value on his direct contact with our clients, each of whom he greets by name every morning when he checks them in. “It’s the most important thing they own,” he said.

He also has a special place in his heart for veterans. Early one morning, Joe discovered a veteran sleeping in a dry dumpster. He immediately brought him into Resurrection House before it opened and took care of his needs. Joe ensures that every veteran who enters through our doors accesses all the local programs available for them, including housing assistance and job connections.

“The challenges are many. The rewards are few. Taking care of our clients is why I’m here, especially when I can help a veteran,” Joe said.

He says he doesn’t plan to retire anytime soon – or ever. “I am so proud of what we’ve accomplished here,” Joe said. “I enjoy every minute of it.”