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Gabriel and John

In December of 2022, a man was found trying to sleep outside the library wearing nothing but a jacket. He was cold and he knew nowhere else to go. A concerned library employee made a phone call to the Romero House asking for help, and with that, a life was changed and friendships were forged. 

The man who responded to the call was John Feldman, a then-live-in staff member of the Romero House. Gabriel Ater, the man in need, described himself at that time as “crazy, man.” He was in Ames and sleeping at the library during the day. Eventually John helped Gabriel get into the Bridge Home where he could be better rested. During Gabriel’s stay, John said, “he became more present..it’s hard to be present if you're tired… The Bridge Home, even though it isn’t stable, is at least a roof over your head.”

While Gabriel was staying at the Bridge Home, he would still frequent the library. John knew that he could find Gabriel there getting coffee, reading the newspaper, or simply escaping the elements. So John offered to let Gabriel come to the house to take showers and do laundry, and Gabriel “didn’t know anybody else was living [there].” Gabriel was just excited to help John, whether it be shoveling snow, mowing lawns, or sorting books in the STA library. Very quickly, John and Gabriel became close. 

Once Gabriel’s stay at the Bridge Home ended, he moved down to the Central Iowa Shelter and Services in Des Moines. Despite the distance, John did not forget about Gabriel and would visit him. John said, “I would bring him his Mountain Dew,” (Gabriel’s favorite drink) and Gabriel said, “You would even bring your girlfriend.” People at the shelter would often ask Gabriel who John was; his response: “He’s my brother, man.”

After a few months at Central Iowa Services, Gabriel was offered a spot at the Romero House. He moved in spring of 2023, when the Romero House was attempting to transition people out of residence. Despite the continual transitions Gabriel experienced, he was able to take it in stride. Gabriel was appreciative of Matt Mitchell just telling him to “relax.” He recalled the memory of that time, stating, “The best thing in the world is that somebody gives you hope. It’s better than no or yes.”

“[T]he most important thing” in Gabriel’s recent life has been his faith. Gabriel came back into his faith when he was at the Bridge Home and Iowa Central Services. When Gabriel helped John with odd jobs around Ames, these adventures almost always led to Gabriel attending daily Mass alongside John. When Gabriel started going to Mass, he “hated it” and was “afraid of the Eucharist,” because he believed he was not worthy. 

John learned that Gabriel had grown up going to Catholic schools in Sudan run by the Comboni Missionaries, receiving all of his sacraments of initiation except his first communion. So John and Gabriel started on the Journey of RCIA. “It was more of a formality,” said John. “[Gabriel’s] journey didn’t start with RCIA, he was doing his own thing.” Gabriel now goes to Mass daily almost without exception. 

After spending a few months with a supporter family, Gabriel became a staff member at the Ames Romero House. He works daily in hospitality ministry, growing in fellowship with those we serve. Unlike other staff members, he knows intimately what it was like to be in our guests’ shoes. Gabriel has one of the most infectious smiles, warmest hearts, and ears always ready to listen. So the next time you're at the house, say "Hi" to Gabriel and ask him about his story. 


by Liam Ehrecke



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