In Loving Memory Of Shelby Stokes. The start of Homeless Long Island.
- homelesslongisland
- Apr 22, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 12
Updated 2/11/26 5th Anniversary of Shelby’s death.
Continuing Shelby's Legacy: Helping Homeless Long Island
Even though Shelby passed away five years ago, his impact continues to resonate through Homeless Long Island. His dedication to serving those in need remains a guiding force for our mission.
Each month, without my knowledge I distribute Homeless Long Island business cards to individuals who knew Shelby. When they recognize his name, it fosters instant credibility and trust, reinforcing our commitment to helping the homeless community.
Join us in honoring Shelby's legacy and making a difference in the lives of those in need.
The Start of Homeless Long Island
Since 2007, we've been working to support Long Island's homeless, but it wasn’t until we met Shelby Stokes (aka substance aka Shelbert) in 2011 that we began to gain the trust of the community we serve.
Shelby was a chronically homeless man who, tragically, passed away in 2021 due to the harsh conditions of life on the streets. We first encountered him sitting on a milk crate behind a bodega in Coram. When we offered him a small Gideon Bible, he initially refused. But the next day, we returned to the same spot at the same time, and this time, he accepted the Bible, opening it to Proverbs 6:3. Shelby was astonished to find his street name, “Substance,” in the verse. He explained he’d had “business” to take care of the day before and hadn’t been able to accept the Bible then. At that moment, he climbed into my truck and asked for a ride—marking the beginning of our mission to build trust and hope in Long Island’s homeless community.
Shelby became a voice within the homeless community, spreading the word that Homeless Long Island was here to help, not the police. He eventually began attending church, saying, “I give God one day a week and Satan six days a week.” With time, Shelby committed his life and heart to God. Even though he continued to struggle with homelessness, he never lost hope. He helped us reach out and build trust across Long Island, from Port Jefferson to Patchogue and from Holbrook to Hampton Bays. His influence and friendship were a gift to so many until his sudden passing in 2021.
Since those early days, Homeless Long Island has helped hundreds of people in need, providing them with essentials and, ultimately, support to transition off the streets. Our mission extends to everyone, embracing those who want to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior while respecting those who aren’t interested. We are inspired by God’s grace and motivated to serve those who feel rejected or overlooked by family, friends, and society.
Please join us in this mission to provide hope to those who see no way out. Your support and donations make it possible to reach more people in need.
Disclaimer: The words "we" and "I" are used humbly, recognizing that all we do is by the grace of God!
I knew Shelby and I’m glad he helped to spread the work that you do, to help other people, but I wish he would have helped himself first.