Kirby

If you’ve been around FMS, you may have seen Kirby volunteering here, where he often helps with running our men’s day center, The Locker Room. He’s a big, friendly guy with a gentle demeanor. More than that, when thinking about Kirby, what comes to mind is resilience. Over the past few years, he has faced challenges that many of us can only imagine. Despite the weight of these difficulties, Kirby’s story is not one of defeat but of quiet perseverance and hopefulness.

A Life on the Road

Kirby grew up in Little River- Academy, Texas, a small rural community not far from Temple. Raised on a 500-acre ranch, he learned the value of hard work from his father, a professional calf roper. Kirby’s youth was steeped in country living—breaking horses, farming, and ranching were second nature to him. He excelled in high school athletics, earning all-state honors in football as a defensive and offensive lineman.

After graduating in 1986, Kirby embarked on a 35-year career as a truck driver. He loved the freedom of the open road, traveling across the country and meeting people from all walks of life. Whether hauling heavy machinery or driving ice roads in North Dakota, Kirby’s life was full of adventure throughout his career.

A Catastrophic Turn

Two years ago, Kirby’s life changed dramatically. After leaving his long-haul trucking career, he began driving for Uber while preparing for retirement. One day in Dallas, Kirby was rear-ended at 60 mph while stopped in traffic. A month later, he was hit again in another accident. It was six months before he was able to walk again, but even then, the injuries from these crashes left Kirby with debilitating back pain and mobility issues, forcing him to rely on a cane for support.

The Challenges of Homelessness

Kirby’s transition to homelessness was abrupt and disorienting. Unable to work due to his injuries and struggling to navigate an unresponsive insurance system, he found himself living on the streets. He stayed in shelters when he could, but many nights were spent on the hard concrete, exposed to the elements and the ever-present threat of violence.

“It’s so tough out there,” Kirby says. “You have to watch out for your life. There are people who don’t even know you but would want to take your life.”

The dangers are compounded by societal barriers. Laws penalizing homelessness, like anti-camping ordinances, lead to fines, jail time, and criminal records that make it even harder to break the cycle. Kirby has faced these and many other obstacles firsthand. As he described, he felt ashamed just for existing, feeling judged by passersby because he was out on the streets.

Finding Hope and Community

Despite these challenges, Kirby has not given up. Feed My Sheep has been a place of refuge and support for him. Here, Kirby found a community that values him for who he is—not for where he lives or what he owns. “The people here have treated me good,” he said. “They’ve really helped me.”

Kirby’s gratitude is matched by his willingness to help others. Whether standing up for those who can’t defend themselves or offering a kind word, Kirby’s big heart is evident to everyone who meets him. He is also taking steps to rebuild his life, working with social services and medical professionals to address his injuries and find permanent housing. Kirby’s determination to “cross the finish line” is inspiring.

A Bright Future

Kirby’s story is far from over. He dreams of reuniting with his three children and two young granddaughters, building relationships that were strained by life’s hardships. He knows the road ahead won’t be easy, but he approaches it with the same resolve that kept him going all his life.

“This chapter will pass,” Kirby said. “I’m still in the race, and I’m not tapping out.”

The Bigger Picture

Kirby’s journey highlights the complexities of homelessness. It’s not simply a matter of “getting a job” or “pulling yourself up by your bootstraps.” Structural issues, catastrophic events, and the loss of family support can leave anyone vulnerable. Kirby’s story reminds us that homelessness is not a character flaw—it’s a circumstance that can affect almost anyone for any number of reasons.

At Feed My Sheep, we believe that every person matters. Kirby, like every person, is a masterpiece created and loved by God. As Kirby continues to rebuild, we are honored to walk alongside him, offering support and friendship. His story reminds us to see the humanity in those who are often overlooked and to recognize that no one’s worth is diminished by their circumstances.