Trust First

The book "Trust First" by Bruce Deel and Sara Grace delivers a powerful and inspiring story about the power of unconditional trust and empathy to solve problems in the most vulnerable communities. Pastor Bruce Deel founded the City of Refuge organization in Atlanta to help people living in areas of crisis and poverty. The book charts his journey from his first steps when he began working with the community to creating a successful and effective non-governmental organization that is changing the lives of thousands of people today. At the heart of Deel's philosophy is the principle of unconditional trust. He believes that if we show people trust and believe in their ability to change their lives, they can become the driving force behind their own transformation. The book contains powerful stories of people who have found new possibilities and rediscovered their dignity through the City of Refuge approach. The author focuses on how a radical change in approach to tackling poverty, crime and social problems can lead to real, lasting solutions. Deel also provides practical advice and lessons for others who want to undertake social projects or are looking for innovative approaches to solving complex social issues. Thus, "Trust First" is not only an inspiring story about transforming lives, but also a practical guide for those who want to change the world around them.

During his first weeks in Atlanta's Westside community, Bruce Deel experienced a dramatic situation that changed his perspective on how to effectively help people in need. While handing out food, he found himself in the middle of a shootout between a woman with a gun and a man who was yelling at her. At that crucial moment, Deel decided not to act with force, but to show the woman radical trust. This calmed her down and convinced her to lower her weapon. This experience was pivotal for him and pointed him in the direction that trust, not material aid, is the cornerstone of real change in a community. Instead of focusing solely on people's physical needs, Deel understood the need to build relationships based on trust. This became a pillar for City of Refuge, an organization he founded to help people in communities in crisis. For Deel, radical trust meant believing that people have the intrinsic ability to make good decisions if given the space, support, and opportunity. One of the most practical manifestations of this approach was the creation of a homeless shelter that had very low barriers to entry. People didn't have to demonstrate sobriety or meet strict conditions to get help. All they had to do was promise not to assault anyone, and they were welcome. This approach made it possible for those who would otherwise have been excluded from systemic assistance to get a chance for a fresh start. The results of this radical trust have been amazing. City of Refuge became one of the most successful social projects, where people who would normally be judged on their past mistakes were given a second chance. This approach not only changed the immediate lives of many people, but also changed the entire way the community worked together and grew. Radical trust, as practiced by Deel and his team, inspired thousands of volunteers and donors to join their mission. This approach has shown that trust, while risky, can be the most effective tool for building strong and resilient communities over the long term.

Bruce Deel began his work in the Westside community with the belief that his personal interventions and assistance could make an immediate difference in people's lives. However, this idealistic approach, which stemmed from feeling like a savior, quickly ran up against reality when he realized that the problems people faced were far more complex and deeply rooted than he had originally thought. The incident with the woman who had the gun was just one of many moments that showed him that saving a community is not about his own strength, but about understanding and working together. Deel gradually changed his approach. He moved from a messianic complex to a partnership model, where instead of trying to "save" the community, he began to work with it. This transition was crucial because he realized that his role was to support the community and not to be its savior. This meant leaving behind the paternalistic model of helping where leaders tell people what they should do and instead becoming someone who listens and collaborates on solutions that best suit the people of the community themselves. This new approach has brought about big changes. Deel realized that community residents have their own abilities and inner resources that need to be strengthened, not overlooked. Instead of seeing them as mere victims, he began to see their potential and active problem-solving abilities. This approach allowed City of Refuge to create programs that were not based on external ideas of what should be done, but on the needs and suggestions of the residents themselves. Deel and his team began holding regular meetings with local people to discuss problems and solutions, ensuring that solutions came from the community itself. This process has strengthened the engagement of local residents, resulting in deeper and more lasting positive change. Moving from a messianic approach to a partnership model proved to be not only an effective way to help, but also a key step towards long-term sustainability of community improvements. This approach has transformed City of Refuge's work into a long-term and deeply transformative project that has become one of the most respected social initiatives.

One of the most important moments in Bruce and his wife Rhonda's work was their decision to move directly to Atlanta's Westside community. They realized that if they wanted to truly understand the challenges and issues facing local residents, they needed to be a part of their daily lives. Moving from a safe suburb to an area that was known for high crime and poverty rates was not only a practical move, but also a symbol of their commitment and authenticity. The Deels adapted an empty church floor to serve as their new home, not only bringing them closer to the community, but also beginning to experience the challenges that locals faced on a daily basis - from safety issues to a lack of public spaces for children. Their presence in the heart of the community brought them closer to the locals and showed that they were truly there for them. This has had a dramatic impact on the perception of their work in the community. Residents began to see the Deels not just as outside helpers, but as part of their daily lives, as people who cared about their well-being. The regular dinners they organized for local residents became a place for open discussions, sharing problems and finding common solutions. This approach of building relationships through trust and dining together created the basis for long-term projects. One of the first projects to emerge from this trust was an after-school program for children that offered educational activities, a safe place and an opportunity for development for children in the area. This program helped young people avoid criminal activities and offered them positive alternatives to spend their free time. Equally important was the homeless shelter, which was based on the principle of low barriers to entry. Unlike other shelters that had strict requirements, City of Refuge provided housing without extensive requirements, which opened the door to those who would have been excluded from other programs. Another project was supporting young mothers who were struggling to cope with difficult conditions. Transitional housing and assistance with integration into community life helped them overcome hardships and create a better future for their families. By becoming part of the Westside community, Bruce and Rhonda Deel earned the trust of the people they wanted to help and were able to create deeply connected, lasting and meaningful change in the lives of many people.

Deel began his work in the Westside community with the notion that poverty and social problems such as alcoholism or addiction are largely the result of personal failures. He felt that individuals had the ability to influence their lives and that poor choices led to their problems. However, during his intense contact with the Westside community, his perspective changed dramatically. Deel's experiences in this community opened his eyes to the deeper contexts of poverty and systemic injustices. He discovered that many of the people he served were born into environments where they had very limited or no opportunities to attain a better education, stable housing, or access to health care. This understanding forced him to rethink his ideas about the causes of poverty and individual behavior. Historically, it helped him better understand that the problems on the Westside were rooted in more than just the personal failings of individuals. In the 1960s and 1970s, the massive out-migration of white residents to the suburbs led to the disintegration of local communities, which were left without investment and support. African-American families who came to these areas faced social and institutional neglect. This process led to many homes being either abandoned or rented without concern for their upkeep, contributing to poor living conditions. The situation worsened in the 1980s when the drug crisis hit the Westside and the government's "war on drugs" led to mass incarceration rather than rehabilitation. These events further exacerbated the problems in the community and caused 40% of Westside families to live below the federal poverty line today. Children in the area often witness violence and grow up without access to adequate education or health care. Deel realized that his own decisions and moral attitudes were not the result of his own internal superiority, but rather the favorable circumstances in which he grew up. He had access to a good education, health care, and the support of his community, while Westside residents had very different starting conditions. This realization led him to change his approach in working with the community. He realized that it wasn't enough to just talk about making the right decisions and morals. To bring about real change, he had to address the underlying inequities and material conditions in which people lived. So he focused on creating programs that provided stable housing, health care, and educational opportunities, helping people overcome systemic barriers. Changing his perspective on poverty and justice was a key step for Deel that allowed him to work with the community more effectively and compassionately. This new approach has become the foundation for the success of City of Refuge, an organization that is making lasting positive changes in people's lives.

Bruce Deel quickly understood that the issues facing the residents of the Westside community were deeply interconnected and required an integrated and comprehensive approach. The traditional system, which divided service delivery among various organizations scattered throughout the city, was inefficient. People faced barriers in the form of bureaucracy, long wait times, and constant shuttling between multiple institutions. To change this dysfunctional model, Deel set out to create one central location where individuals could receive a wide range of services under one roof. This integrated approach was intended to ensure that the needs of the community would be addressed in an efficient and coordinated manner. To achieve this goal, however, he needed a large space and significant funding, which he did not have at the time. The first key step in making this plan a reality was when he convinced a property owner to donate $1.6 million worth of land. This warehouse, although neglected and full of trash, became the foundation for the new City of Refuge Center. Despite acquiring this property, he faced tremendous challenges in renovating and redeveloping it into a functional space. Initial hurdles included removing trash, repairing damaged parts of the building, and securing the necessary funding. Skepticism on the part of donors and supporters was another challenge, as many considered Deel's plans unrealistic. They advised him to concentrate on smaller projects that would be easier to implement. The tragedy of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 brought an unexpected opportunity to demonstrate City of Refuge's capabilities. Many people seeking shelter after the hurricane found help in Atlanta, and City of Refuge was asked to provide temporary housing for evacuees. This situation demonstrated the strength of the organization in coordinating resources and volunteers, which helped them build trust and gain support. In the years that followed, City of Refuge expanded its capacity and developed into a state-of-the-art organization. With the support of donors and local authorities, they built a wide range of facilities, including a feeding facility, a child care center, a homeless shelter, and a clinic providing health services. They created transitional housing programs where mothers with children and single women could find a safe home. One of the most significant projects was the creation of "Eden Village" where they provided housing for dozens of families. They gradually opened additional facilities to support victims of white meat trafficking and created vocational training programs for former prisoners, veterans, and the homeless. Deel's integrated approach brought comprehensive solutions to the Westside community's diverse problems. By combining a variety of services under one roof, he enabled people to access the support they needed quickly and without unnecessary barriers. This approach has proven to be a successful tool for improving living conditions and has provided communities not only with material assistance, but also with the confidence and opportunity for a fresh start.

At the beginning of his work on the Westside, Bruce Deel envisioned success as a dramatic transformation in the lives of the people he helped. He expected his efforts to lead to definitive changes such as lasting sobriety, stable employment, and complete life restoration. Over time, however, he realized that such big transformations are rare and that true transformation often manifests in small, incremental steps. Deel began to understand that the measurement of success must include these small advances, which may not seem significant at first, but are critical to long-term change. This approach led him to start celebrating every small success people achieved - from staying sober one day longer to emotional and psychological improvements such as making eye contact. For City of Refuge, daily progress became a key indicator of success. Stories like Vanessa's and Rufus' are examples of how Deel understood the importance of these small steps. Vanessa, who faced severe health challenges and relapses, gradually reintegrated into society and rebuilt her relationships. Although her journey has not been linear, each step forward has been a testament to City of Refuge's determination. Rufus, who had drug addiction issues, also faced repeated relapses, but for Deel, each return to the program was an example of courage. Deel's approach is based on a philosophy of harm reduction and supporting people where they are. Rather than imposing strict rules, he provided them with support tailored to their current needs. This flexible approach enabled City of Refuge to more effectively help people on their own path to improvement, even if that path was not always straightforward. By changing his understanding of success, Bruce Deel enabled City of Refuge to make lasting positive changes in people's lives. This approach of focusing on small steps underscores the value of everyday efforts and helps people on the path to lasting change.

When Hurricane Katrina hit the U.S. in 2005, City of Refuge became an integral part of the relief effort for thousands of people affected by this massive disaster. Bruce Deel and his team were faced with a critical situation that presented their organization with its biggest challenge yet. However, City of Refuge proved to be not only prepared, but also capable of providing quick and effective assistance on a scale they had not experienced before. As Atlanta became a place where thousands of evacuees sought refuge, City of Refuge set up an information center and a reception center to provide evacuees with basic necessities, shelter, and hot meals. Within days, the organization mobilized hundreds of volunteers, coordinating assistance with government agencies and other nonprofit organizations. Their quick response and ability to deal with such a large crisis demonstrated not only their organizational skills, but also their vision and determination. This success was a watershed moment for City of Refuge. They have demonstrated that they are not only capable of solving common community problems, but also of facing major crises, which has brought them increased credibility and trust from donors, government agencies and the public. A significant part of their success was precisely their ability to coordinate large numbers of volunteers and create distribution centers that provided not only basic needs but also long-term assistance to affected families. As a result of this success, City of Refuge gained new resources that allowed them to expand their services. One of the most significant projects born out of the organization's increased credibility was the creation of "Eden Village" - transitional housing for homeless mothers and children. This project, supported by $1.5 million from the City of Atlanta, provided 40 apartments for families in crisis. This success was later expanded in 2008 when the City of Refuge opened an additional housing unit, "Eden Village 2," for single women. With its success in responding to Hurricane Katrina, City of Refuge has become a stable and trusted provider of assistance in the community. This experience has prepared them to address other crises and enabled them to bring lasting improvements to people's lives.

Bruce Deel and his unwavering confidence and determination have become the pillars of City of Refuge's success. His personal story and approach to his work have inspired many people to get involved and support his mission. Deel's approach to leadership was based on a deep belief in the abilities of individuals and their potential for change. When he and his family moved to the Westside community, he took a step that was not only a symbol of his commitment, but also a clear demonstration of his confidence in the residents of this community. In doing so, he showed that he was not just an outside helper, but an active partner who wanted to be involved in their daily lives. Deel's personal dedication and willingness to live in an environment where local residents face daily challenges has become an inspiration to many. Seeing how Deel and his family left their comfortable life in the suburbs and moved to an area with a high crime rate motivated volunteers and donors to join their efforts. As a result, Deel's confidence and determination attracted others who wanted to help and contribute to his vision. Although Deel and his team were often met with skepticism, he never stopped believing in his intuition and vision. When he decided to create a one-stop shop for various services, he faced many obstacles and mistrust from donors. Nevertheless, he did not give up and continued his efforts to convince others of the viability of his plan. The turning point for City of Refuge was the response to the crisis caused by Hurricane Katrina. As the organization provided relief and support services to evacuees, many skeptics became convinced of the efficacy of Deel's vision. This success increased donor and public confidence and opened the door to additional projects and expansion of their services. Deel's story and approach became a powerful source of inspiration not only for his team, but also for the general public. His confidence in people, determination and ability to overcome obstacles have shown that even the most ambitious plans can be accomplished when based on a strong belief in the community and the support of those we serve. Ultimately, Deel's personal journey and successes have proven that individual determination and trust can bring about significant and lasting change. His example has inspired many to join his mission and support the work of City of Refuge, which has helped the organization achieve its goals and contribute to positive change in the lives of many.

The book "Trust First" by Bruce Deel and Sara Grace provides a fascinating story of how one person with courage and vision can bring about significant change in the lives of the most vulnerable. Through personal experiences and practical lessons, Deel shows that the foundation of real help is radical trust and community partnership. His work at City of Refuge focuses on providing integrated services that address basic needs and inequities of opportunity. The book shows that real success is achieved through small steps and a consistent commitment to trust and collaboration, inspiring others to take a similar approach. Do you have feedback for us? We'd love it if you let us know your opinion on our content! Just send an email to feedback@rewio.app with the title of this book in the subject line and share your impressions!