Wayside Easter celebration in Louisville brings sense of normalcy to homeless

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Wayside Christian Mission hosted an Easter celebration for people experiencing homelessness Sunday.

It's one of many events the nonprofit hosts throughout the year as they support people who are experiencing homelessness.

"It gives them a little hope to go on," said Wayside Chief Operating Officer Nina Moseley.

Moseley said events like the Easter celebration give people who are experiencing their lowest points of life a sense of normalcy.

"A lot of folks just think automatically that if they're homeless, they're bums, they're beggars, that they don't want to do better, and that's not the case, Moseley said. "Many of them want to do better."

The mission even gave away Easter baskets to kids.

"They'll have an Easter to talk about when they go to school just like all of their classmates," Moseley said.

The baskets were donated by the Kentucky Motorcycle Association and the Kentucky Bikers Association.

An Easter dinner was also served.

Allen Lee was one of many people in the room experiencing homelessness who lean on Wayside for support.

Lee said he has struggled with drug and alcohol use for most of his life, and he's been experiencing homelessness for the last six years.

"It's been a blessing," Lee said. "I've been living out in the madness for a long time. So, just to be able to change the life, change the scenery, find some structure and stability, it's really been a big help."

Lee said he appreciates the support he receives from Wayside and happy to be able to celebrate the Easter holiday like any ordinary person would.