Remembering Rashid
Reflection & Remembrance Service held at St. Vincent de Paul
The following was written by SVdP Caseworker Krystiona McLean at a recent prayer and funeral service held at the Council in remembrance of all those lives that have been lost by violence, hardship, homelessness and despair. The service was prompted by the death of a homeless neighbor named Rashid, who often turned to SVdP and was beloved by staff and volunteers.
It is hard to find the right words when someone like Rashid leaves us so suddenly.
Rashid was not just someone we worked with, he was someone we looked forward to seeing. He had a quiet strength and a kind, open heart. No matter what he was going through, he always greeted us with a smile, a kind word, or sometimes even a heartfelt conversation about life, faith or just how the day was going. You could feel his spirit when he walked into the room – genuine, full of faith, and full of hope!
Rashid wanted better for himself, and he never gave up on that. He put in the work, he asked for support and he took steps every day toward stability. His journey was not easy, but he never let it harden him. Instead, he leaned into his faith openly, joyfully and without shame. He would talk about God, cry without hesitation and share his testimony in a way that reminded you what it meant to truly believe. It was never performative. It was was honest. And it touched everyone around him.
What stands out the most is how much love he carried, even while navigating so much pain. He was a reminder that even in the midst of struggle, there is room for kindness, for laughter, for faith, and for connection. We’re heartbroken. It is hard to understand why things happen the way they do. But we will remember Rashid, not just for what he went through, but for who he was.
May he rest in peace and may we carry his memory with us in the way we speak to others, in the compassion we show and in the belief that people, no matter their situation, deserve to be seen, heard and loved!
— Krystiona McLean
