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Peter James Banos known as "Pops" has been homeless in Hagerstown for about eight years but strives to help others in the same situation to let them know they are not alone. The Washington County Homeless Coalition held the Homeless Resource Day at the Aspiring to Serve building in Hagerstown Saturday bringing services and assistance to individuals and families in need. (By Colleen McGrath/Staff Photographer / March 2, 2013) |
Peter James Banos spends every day counting his blessings.
He feels blessed to have a place to sleep.
Not too many years ago, he was a licensed contractor who built houses. Now, he lives in a shelter.
He feels blessed for the coat on his back.
It might have been donated, but he needed to stay warm in the winter and had no money to buy clothing.
He feels blessed to have friends.
Many of them live in the woods, “but I’m fortunate to know and love them,” he said.
Mostly, he feels blessed to be alive.
“There was a time when I wanted to lay down, go to sleep and die,” the Hagerstown man shared. “I felt I had no reason to live. My wife had passed away, I had no job, no future. But God said, ‘No, I have things for you to do.’”
Banos said he has overcome alcoholism, has had a variety of health issues, including two strokes in three weeks, and currently is on disability.
But despite his struggles, he faces each day with a purpose. He tries to make a difference in someone’s life.
“That’s my mission,” the 60-year-old man said. “I want people to know that regardless of how difficult life becomes, it’s still worth living.”
Known as “Pops” to the those whose paths he has crossed, Banos said he understands people’s frustrations with a system that sometimes is complicated.
“I’m one of them,” he said. “For the past six years, I have called the REACH shelter my home. So people can identify with me.”
Banos said people who are homeless or facing financial challenges still are people and that is a message he tries to share.
“They just need a little understanding. They need to be loved and supported. And that’s what I do — on the streets or wherever,” he said.
On Saturday morning, Banos mingled with families and individuals who walked through the doors of the Aspiring to Serve building on West Franklin Street in Hagerstown.
Here, under one roof, about 45 vendors were participating in Homeless Resource Day, providing information and services to assist the homeless and those on the edge of homelessness.
Banos offered a handshake and words of encouragement to many of the people who waited for a volunteer to help assess their needs.
He feels blessed to have a place to sleep.
Not too many years ago, he was a licensed contractor who built houses. Now, he lives in a shelter.
He feels blessed for the coat on his back.
It might have been donated, but he needed to stay warm in the winter and had no money to buy clothing.
He feels blessed to have friends.
Many of them live in the woods, “but I’m fortunate to know and love them,” he said.
Mostly, he feels blessed to be alive.
“There was a time when I wanted to lay down, go to sleep and die,” the Hagerstown man shared. “I felt I had no reason to live. My wife had passed away, I had no job, no future. But God said, ‘No, I have things for you to do.’”
Banos said he has overcome alcoholism, has had a variety of health issues, including two strokes in three weeks, and currently is on disability.
But despite his struggles, he faces each day with a purpose. He tries to make a difference in someone’s life.
“That’s my mission,” the 60-year-old man said. “I want people to know that regardless of how difficult life becomes, it’s still worth living.”
Known as “Pops” to the those whose paths he has crossed, Banos said he understands people’s frustrations with a system that sometimes is complicated.
“I’m one of them,” he said. “For the past six years, I have called the REACH shelter my home. So people can identify with me.”
Banos said people who are homeless or facing financial challenges still are people and that is a message he tries to share.
“They just need a little understanding. They need to be loved and supported. And that’s what I do — on the streets or wherever,” he said.
On Saturday morning, Banos mingled with families and individuals who walked through the doors of the Aspiring to Serve building on West Franklin Street in Hagerstown.
Here, under one roof, about 45 vendors were participating in Homeless Resource Day, providing information and services to assist the homeless and those on the edge of homelessness.
Banos offered a handshake and words of encouragement to many of the people who waited for a volunteer to help assess their needs.
