From a Handshake to Hope: The Journey of Christopher Holyman and HUMAN
One year ago, on the corner of the River Road exit off Highway 101, we met Christopher Holyman. At the time, he was holding a sign, asking for help. Like so many who find themselves without a home, he wasn’t just looking for money—he was looking for hope.
Darrin had seen Holyman on several occasions and had given him money when he could. But one evening, on the drive home, Darrin turned to me and asked, “Do I always have to give him money?” That question sparked a deeper conversation. I told him, “Maybe it’s not a transactional relationship. Maybe he just needs someone to listen, someone to ask his story. Maybe what he really needs is a kind word, a hug, or a high-five.” That day, we stopped. And since that moment, our relationship with Holyman has grown into something much greater than we could have imagined.
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The Power of Presence and Perception
Something interesting started happening when Darrin—wearing his bright pink gear—began stopping at the corner to talk with Holyman. Even some of our employees would pause on their way by, laughing and chatting with them. It wasn’t just about giving someone money—it was about seeing them, really seeing them, as a person. And as more people noticed Darrin and our team taking time to engage with Holyman, their perception started to shift.
Suddenly, people who might have otherwise ignored Holyman began to take a second look. We even had people at the gym come up to us and say, “Hey, I’ve seen you at the corner talking to that homeless guy.” Their curiosity led them to start questioning their own assumptions. Maybe, if Darrin hadn’t been there, they wouldn’t have noticed Holyman at all.
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A System That Sends People Back to the Streets
Holyman’s journey hasn’t been easy. He’s not originally from the Olympic Peninsula, and his life has been marked by severe trauma—he has been hit by multiple cars, suffered immense pain, and turned to substances when he couldn’t access proper medical care. But when he decided to get clean, he fully committed to the process. He went through treatment and followed the steps, but when the system had done its part, he was placed right back on the streets, with nowhere to go. The housing shortage in our area left him with no options through local organizations. He had fought to get better, only to end up right where he started.
That’s when Darrin and I made a decision—we couldn’t let him go back to square one.
Holyman stayed in our home until he was accepted into the Oxford House, a sober living community. And honestly, we truly enjoyed having him there. He wasn’t just someone we were helping—he became a friend. We even went to the movie theater together, sharing moments of laughter and normalcy that so many of us take for granted. With the help of Reflections and the support we’ve given him, he’s been able to attend multiple doctor’s and dentist’s appointments, taking care of his health in ways he hadn’t been able to before. He has stayed consistent with his medical care, ensuring that his well-being remains a priority as he builds his new life.
Beyond that, Darrin has consistently mentored Holyman, giving him the support and guidance he needs to stay on the right path. While he stayed at our house, we helped him get new clothes, a new phone, a pair of good shoes, and a nice bag—setting him up for success as he transitioned into the Oxford House. These small but meaningful steps made a world of difference in rebuilding his confidence and helping him feel prepared for this next chapter.
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A Job, a Car, and a Fresh Start
Despite all his hard work, stable housing opportunities still haven’t opened up for Holyman. But that hasn’t stopped his progress.
To help him regain financial independence, Liggins Landscaping has offered him a part-time position. This gives him the opportunity to rebuild his work history and get back on his feet.
Additionally, HUMAN provided him with a donated car to use temporarily so he can get to and from work. This vehicle, named Veronica, will eventually be returned to HUMAN’s nonprofit services to help someone else in need of transportation once Holyman secures his own.
---
The Power of Seeing People as Human
Holyman’s story is a reminder of what happens when we stop seeing people as problems to be solved and start seeing them as people with potential.
He is still seeking permanent housing, but he is sober, employed, and pushing forward. He is proof that when people have support, they can—and will—rise above the circumstances that held them back.
This is what HUMAN is about. It’s about building real relationships, offering real opportunities, and proving that no one has to walk their journey alone.
Holyman’s story isn’t over, and neither is our work. But today, he’s taking steps toward a future he once thought was impossible. And that’s what HUMAN is here for—because everyone deserves the chance to rebuild.
Darrin had seen Holyman on several occasions and had given him money when he could. But one evening, on the drive home, Darrin turned to me and asked, “Do I always have to give him money?” That question sparked a deeper conversation. I told him, “Maybe it’s not a transactional relationship. Maybe he just needs someone to listen, someone to ask his story. Maybe what he really needs is a kind word, a hug, or a high-five.” That day, we stopped. And since that moment, our relationship with Holyman has grown into something much greater than we could have imagined.
---
The Power of Presence and Perception
Something interesting started happening when Darrin—wearing his bright pink gear—began stopping at the corner to talk with Holyman. Even some of our employees would pause on their way by, laughing and chatting with them. It wasn’t just about giving someone money—it was about seeing them, really seeing them, as a person. And as more people noticed Darrin and our team taking time to engage with Holyman, their perception started to shift.
Suddenly, people who might have otherwise ignored Holyman began to take a second look. We even had people at the gym come up to us and say, “Hey, I’ve seen you at the corner talking to that homeless guy.” Their curiosity led them to start questioning their own assumptions. Maybe, if Darrin hadn’t been there, they wouldn’t have noticed Holyman at all.
---
A System That Sends People Back to the Streets
Holyman’s journey hasn’t been easy. He’s not originally from the Olympic Peninsula, and his life has been marked by severe trauma—he has been hit by multiple cars, suffered immense pain, and turned to substances when he couldn’t access proper medical care. But when he decided to get clean, he fully committed to the process. He went through treatment and followed the steps, but when the system had done its part, he was placed right back on the streets, with nowhere to go. The housing shortage in our area left him with no options through local organizations. He had fought to get better, only to end up right where he started.
That’s when Darrin and I made a decision—we couldn’t let him go back to square one.
Holyman stayed in our home until he was accepted into the Oxford House, a sober living community. And honestly, we truly enjoyed having him there. He wasn’t just someone we were helping—he became a friend. We even went to the movie theater together, sharing moments of laughter and normalcy that so many of us take for granted. With the help of Reflections and the support we’ve given him, he’s been able to attend multiple doctor’s and dentist’s appointments, taking care of his health in ways he hadn’t been able to before. He has stayed consistent with his medical care, ensuring that his well-being remains a priority as he builds his new life.
Beyond that, Darrin has consistently mentored Holyman, giving him the support and guidance he needs to stay on the right path. While he stayed at our house, we helped him get new clothes, a new phone, a pair of good shoes, and a nice bag—setting him up for success as he transitioned into the Oxford House. These small but meaningful steps made a world of difference in rebuilding his confidence and helping him feel prepared for this next chapter.
---
A Job, a Car, and a Fresh Start
Despite all his hard work, stable housing opportunities still haven’t opened up for Holyman. But that hasn’t stopped his progress.
To help him regain financial independence, Liggins Landscaping has offered him a part-time position. This gives him the opportunity to rebuild his work history and get back on his feet.
Additionally, HUMAN provided him with a donated car to use temporarily so he can get to and from work. This vehicle, named Veronica, will eventually be returned to HUMAN’s nonprofit services to help someone else in need of transportation once Holyman secures his own.
---
The Power of Seeing People as Human
Holyman’s story is a reminder of what happens when we stop seeing people as problems to be solved and start seeing them as people with potential.
He is still seeking permanent housing, but he is sober, employed, and pushing forward. He is proof that when people have support, they can—and will—rise above the circumstances that held them back.
This is what HUMAN is about. It’s about building real relationships, offering real opportunities, and proving that no one has to walk their journey alone.
Holyman’s story isn’t over, and neither is our work. But today, he’s taking steps toward a future he once thought was impossible. And that’s what HUMAN is here for—because everyone deserves the chance to rebuild.
Darrin Liggins and Christopher Holyman 2024
"A Simple Act of Kindness ❤️👟
Darrin gifting a new pair of shoes to Holyman, who has been flying a sign on the roadside. Small gestures can make a big difference in someone's journey.
#HUMANProject #KindnessInAction #CommunityMatters #GivingBack
I AM KIND
I AM GRATEFUL
I AM HUMAN
"A Simple Act of Kindness ❤️👟
Darrin gifting a new pair of shoes to Holyman, who has been flying a sign on the roadside. Small gestures can make a big difference in someone's journey.
#HUMANProject #KindnessInAction #CommunityMatters #GivingBack
I AM KIND
I AM GRATEFUL
I AM HUMAN
Carter Holm, Jerrod Little, Chris Holyman, Russell Gaither, Logan Blank, & Darrin Liggins
