Art is Hope - Mario

Oct 1, 2024

Art helped him turn his life around.  Now he offers hope to those still suffering.

After becoming a regular guest at our art table during meals, we built a relationship with Mario and gained his trust. With a little encouragement and a helping hand, Mario found hope, and the courage to turn his life around. A year later, Mario is now in a shelter where he can paint freely and sleep soundly. Just last month, Mario celebrated nine months clean from drugs. He brought pizza to the art table to celebrate. Mario now assists regularly at the art table during Thursday night meals at the Salvation Army Santa Monica and shares his story with others in the homeless community, who are where he once was. His story inspires HOPE in those he meets.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: “I feel the love of God when I'm here. I have no more pain in my legs… I keep my paintings right here and nobody steals them. Thank you for helping me. -Mario V.


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